NYC Triathlon

Heat, humidity and jellyfish were all factor in the 2009 NYC triathlon. But in the end it was Gregg Bennett who won on the Men's side of the race and Rebeccah Wasner on the women's side. "On the men’s side, Andy Potts emerged from the swim first with a time of 12:14, with three-time NYC Triathlon winner Greg Bennett and Andy Reed following quickly behind. After racing through the transition, the earlier rain left a slow track that demanded caution from even the slickest Pros."

Bennett won while, "Andy Potts finished less than a minute later, followed closely by Matt Reed, Yoder and Stuart Hayes to round out the men’s top five." Today, at the sound of the starting gun, Ocala's Robbie Phillips will compete alongside his father, Bob, and 3,400 other top-notch athletes at the ninth annual Nautica New York City Triathlon.

Making it to this premiere sporting event, which features competitors from all 50 states and 20 nations, is a major feat in itself for any athlete. For 18-year-old Robbie, who has autism, it has been a special journey. As a child, Robbie was severely overweight, was sick and couldn't do much of anything physically. In addition, he couldn't speak and didn't interact with others.

Stephen Murray Crash Video

Stephen Murray crash video which was taken on on June 22, 2007 during the the BMX Dirt finals of the Panasonic Open. Murray was badly indured in this accident. Stephen Murray, the BMX rider, had an horrific crash two years ago while in competition. Yes, given that the event was televised there is indeed a Stephen Murray crash video.

However, rather than simply watching the video of the crash, why not check out this one about both Murray's crash and the aftermath. For Stephen Murray broke his neck in that crash and he is now quadriplegic. Further parts of the Stephen Murray videos abd the crash and the aftermath are available on Youtube, here.

Stephen Murray was critically injured after crashing in the BMX Dirt finals of the Panasonic Open, the first stop of the AST Dew Tour, on June 22, 2007. After the accident, Murray was rushed to a Baltimore-area hospital where he received treatment and has undergone several operations.

Alexis Cohen American Idol

American Idol auditioner Alexis Cohen died at age 25 on July 25 after being struck by a car in Seaside Heights, N.J., the Associated Press reports. Cohen's colorful behavior in early episodes of Idol's seventh and eighth seasons, including repeated rude gestures directed at the judges, made her a memorable presence. Authorities are seeking further information about the fatal collision.

According to AP – Authorities say a 25-year-old former two-time “American Idol” contestant has been struck and killed by a car in a New Jersey shore town. The Asbury Park Press reports that Alexis Cohen, of Allentown, Pa., was killed early Saturday in Seaside Heights.

Deputy Chief Michael Mohel of the Ocean County Prosecutors Office says an autopsy indicated she suffered chest, head and abdominal injuries. Mohel says investigators are seeking more information about the collision. Cohen auditioned in Philadelphia for the popular Fox singing competition in August 2007, and the episode was aired in January 2008. She tried out again during the show’s eighth season.