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The annual World Sauna Championships had a fatal turn of events when a 60-year-old contestant died. After six minutes in a 230 degree sauna the two finalist were rushed to a hospital.
An investigation is underway to understand what went wrong at the 2010 World Sauna Championships. Two finalist, Vladimir Ladyzhenskiy and Timo Kaukonen, collapsed and were reportedly unconscious after toughing it out for six minutes in over 200 degree heat.
According to reports, Ladyzhenskiy and defending champion Kaukonen were rushed to a nearby hospital suffering from bloody burns on several areas of their bodies. Ladyzhenskiy later died at the hospital.
The World Sauna Championship was established in 1999 and has since taken place every year. This year's competition is rumored to be the last.
Terra USA/Marilyn Dominguez
