The French triathlete Laurent Vidal has died of a heart attack at the age of 31. Vidal, who finished fifth at the London 2012 Olympics, retired in April last year after suffering a cardiopulmonary arrest during a swimming training session. He recovered after being placed in a medically induced coma for 48 hours.

A statement from the International Triathlon Union read: “We are terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Laurent Vidal. An incredible athlete & unforgettable person, he touched us all.”

Vidal was engaged to the New Zealand triathlete Andrea Hewitt, who also competed at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics.