Triathlon Ireland chief executive Darren Coombes said officials did not sanction the swim race due to “adverse conditions on the day”.
Triathlon Ireland has said its officials did not sanction a swimming race in which two competitors died.
The men, in their 40s and 60s, got into difficulty in separate incidents during the swimming leg of the Ironman event in Youghal, Co Cork on Sunday.
Triathlon Ireland chief executive Darren Coombes said officials did not sanction the swim race due to “adverse conditions on the day”.
He said: “For the Ironman Cork event, in line with normal practice, Triathlon Ireland technical officials attended before the start of the race to review the conditions and carry out a water safety assessment.
“Due to adverse conditions on the day, Triathlon Ireland technical officials confirmed to the race organisers that it was not possible to sanction the race.
“As there is an investigation ongoing, at this stage it would not be appropriate for us to make any further comment only to state that Triathlon Ireland will provide any assistance that the authorities require.”
Mr Coombes also named the two men who died as Ivan Chittenden and Brendan Wall.
“We reiterate our deepest condolences to the families,” he added.
“The triathlon community is a very close community and this loss has had a devastating effect on all of us.”
The two men were removed from the water by emergency services after running into difficulties, but were pronounced dead at the scene.
Irish police said they were investigating and that the coroner had been notified.