The annual Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon has changed its starting procedures for this year’s race, the first year after a competitor was paralyzed by a collision at the start of the event.

It’s been exactly one year since Jose Perez, a firefighter from Chicago and veteran triathlete, jumped into the water to begin his race, only for another competitor to land directly on Perez’s head. The strike instantly paralyzed him, leaving him floating in San Francisco Bay for what “felt like an eternity” before he was safely rescued, which he recounted to SFGATE last summer while recovering at San Francisco General Hospital. 

Before this year’s race on June 7, SFGATE sought an interview with Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon officials last week through a public relations firm helping with the race. The spokesperson said race officials were “unable to accommodate” an interview but sent an unattributed statement on behalf of the race.

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“Athlete safety is central to the planning and delivery of the Escape From Alcatraz Triathlon,” the statement read. “Each year, the race team reviews its operating procedures with the relevant state and federal agencies, and the confirmed swim start procedures for 2026 have already been communicated directly to participants through the Athlete Guide.”

The statement continued: “For this year’s race, athletes will be organized on the start vessel by age group and released in a time-trial format, with start signals tied to clearance of the landing zone. The swim will be supported by approximately 100........

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