Sports News Report
Sport: SwimmingCategory: Scores & Results

Man survives alligator attack while training in Savannah River

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 25, 2026, 8:15 PM

Last updated Aug 25, 2026

Man survives alligator attack while training in Savannah River
Summary

Jonathan Bruney was attacked by a 4- to 5-foot alligator on Sunday while training for the Ironman Triathlon in the Savannah River. The alligator bit him on the upper arm, prompting Bruney to retaliate by jabbing his thumbs into the gator's eyes, causing it to release him. He swam to a nearby dock and warned his teammates to exit the water. Emergency responders treated Bruney's injuries, and he is currently recovering. All members of his team reached safety without injury.

Source Links
Fox NewsYahoo Sports
By the Numbers
  • •Jonathan Bruney trains for Ironman Triathlon
  • •Attacked by 4- to 5-foot alligator
  • •Jabbed thumbs into alligator's eyes to escape
  • •Teammates exited the water safely
  • •Bruney treated for injuries and recovering
Latest Updates
  • 8:15 PMFox News — Triathlete channels his inner 'Three Stooges' to escape harrowing alligator attack in South Carolina - Fox News
  • 8:21 PMYahoo Sports — Swimmer jabs thumbs in eyes of alligator to survive attack in Savannah River
What they're saying
"

Jonathan Bruney fought off a large alligator attack in South Carolina's Savannah River by gouging its eye during Ironman triathlon training.

"

A man training for the Ironman Triathlon in the Savannah River was attacked by an alligator.

Related Teams & Leagues
Swimming

Sources

External links

Original reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.

Related Stories

Last 14 days