The sources confirmed that the Vineman Triathlon Hall of Fame, Peter Kotland, died, leaving everyone devastated.
Peter grew up in communist Czechoslovakia, where sports offered a path to a better life. He started cross-country skiing at the age of two, attending elite sports schools and training rigorously.
By 13, he was nationally ranked and selected for Czechoslovakia’s Olympic sports program, where training became a full-time commitment supported by coaches, doctors, and advanced technology, including heart rate monitors in the 1980s.
After graduating in 1990, he left Czechoslovakia with $50, working in Switzerland and Canada before moving to the United States.
In South Carolina, he balanced work in a textile mill with studying for the SAT and pursuing a cross-country scholarship at Wofford College.
His athletic journey expanded to cycling and swimming. Starting with basic commuting on a $60 mountain bike, he progressed to competitive cycling and triathlons.
His first marathon, the Mardi Gras Marathon, resulted in a win in 2:33.
He then transitioned to triathlons, training for the Ironman-distance Great Floridian Triathlon, finishing second in 9 hours and 41 minutes, marking the beginning of his career as an Ironman triathlete.
Community Is Mourning The Tragic Loss Of Triathlon Peter Kotland
Former Ultraman World Champion Peter Kotland passed away in March 2026 in South Carolina. The cause of death has not been revealed yet.
Sonni Dyer, a certified Endurance sport coach at CoachSonni.com, took to her Facebook handle to announce the tragic news.
Such tragic news today, RIP Peter Kotland.
Sonni Dyer
I met Peter in the 90s & over the course of several yrs, he became a formidable competitor, fellow coach, & good friend.
Peter pushed me. (In 2000, only 2sec separated us at Latta Tri.) We traded podium spots for over a decade.
In 2014, Peter would finish 3rd at the World Ultraman Champs (2 back-to-back Ironman’s over 3 days.) setting the run-course record in the process: 52.4miles in 5:33…..that’s 6:21-per-mile to end a Double-IM!
Peter was humble, gracious, and inspired us all. RIP PK.
Keth Davism, a graduate of Wake Forest University, took to the comment section and mourned the loss of Peter.
Sonni, watching you guys, Jamey and others is what inspired me to become a triathlete! I am very sorry to read this.
Keith Davis
Peter Wright, a sales leader at Boulder Designs by Bedrock Boulders, wrote,
Pete was one of the nicest guys I ever got to work with and an absolute beast when racing RIP my friend
Peter Wright
Katie Malone, an owner and head coach at Malone Coaching, wrote,
I can’t believe he is gone. Peter Kotland coached me for years as I was getting into Ironman racing. He wasn’t one of these coaches you never see, he rode with me all the time, he overhauled my swim stroke and made me a faster runner. He loved to drink Espresso before a ride and he hated to wear a helmet. He gave me hell for eating Little Debbies at work. He believed in me and pushed me to be my best. He was a great story teller and the teller of some crazy stories! We traveled all over together. In the picture below we were in Brazil at the beach and the one on the right at Lake Placid. He inspired me to be a coach and changed the direction of my life. I am pretty torn up right now that I never told him how much that all meant to me.
Katie Malone
Great Floridian Triathlon also took to their official Facebook handle and offered heartfelt condolences.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of Peter Kotland, a multiple GFT Champion, and long time participant and supporter of the GFT. RIP Peter.
Great Floridian Triathlon
South Carolina Triathlon Series wrote,
Peter, you ran a great race, and you helped make us who we are today. Our very first sponsor was Keith’s Triathlon Shop and you have been with us for every step of our journey. From racing with us almost every weekend to volunteering to help us set up the Middle Tyger YMCA Triathlon every year, you helped make triathlon what it is today in South Carolina and around the globe. Rest now friend. You’ve earned it. Legend…
South Carolina Triathlon Series
The other closed one, and relatives have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Peter’s family to stay strong in this difficult time.
He will always be remembered for his unforgettable contributions to triathlon.
The funeral service schedule will soon be made available by his family. Rest in Peace, Peter Kotland.
