Authorities have tragically confirmed the death of Lazar Đukić, a four-time CrossFit Games athlete, who went missing during the 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas.
Lazar disappeared while competing in an event that included a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim, held at Marine Creek Lake.
Lazar Đukić Instagram
Hours before his body was found, a post by The Barbell Spin on Instagram shared that Lazar had not made it to the finish line, prompting search efforts in the area.
In light of this tragic incident, the CrossFit Games announced the cancellation of the remaining events for the day, stating, “CrossFit is deeply saddened by the death of a competitor during the swimming portion of Individual Event 1.” They emphasized that the safety of their athletes is their top priority and expressed their heartbreak over the loss.
The organization is cooperating fully with local authorities and is supporting Lazar’s family during this difficult time.
Who was Lazar Đukić?
Aged 28, Lazar hailed from Serbia and was a dedicated athlete with aspirations of securing a podium spot at the Games. He often lived by the mantra, “Train harder than you will compete,” which reflected his intense work ethic.
This mindset drove him to excel in every workout, both mentally and physically, as he prepared for the demands of elite competition.
The CrossFit community has voiced its grief, with athlete Bastin Fritz expressing, “May your brave spirit and passion for the sport live on forever in our hearts, inspiring us all to honor your memory in each lift, each run, and every competition.”
What is the CrossFit Games?
The CrossFit Games are an annual sporting event that determines the “Fittest on Earth,” bringing together athletes from around the globe to compete in a series of high-intensity workouts designed to test their strength, endurance, and agility.
Competitions include a broad array of physical challenges such as weightlifting, running, swimming, and gymnastics. The process begins with an open qualification phase, followed by regional or semifinal events that narrow the field down to the elite competitors.
Set to take place from August 8 to August 11, 2024, the CrossFit Games remains a premier event in the fitness world, attracting both professional athletes and passionate enthusiasts.