Celia Mann | Social Media Editor
September 25, 2024
The loss of one of the fittest on earth. The biggest tragedy ever experienced in the CrossFit world, and something that never should’ve happened the way it did. During the first event of the 2024 CrossFit Games (a 3.5 mile run, into an 800 meter swim), a man named Lazar Dukic drowned suddenly while competing. Many questions arose. How could something like this happen to such a fit person, and why didn’t any of the nearby lifeguards or volunteers do anything to save him? But more importantly, what does this mean for the CrossFit community?
The rest of the scheduled events for that day were canceled, and it was time for a big decision to be made. This is where controversy started to arise. The creator and director of the CrossFit Games, Dave Castro, would announce the ultimate decision. Would they continue with the Games, or would they be canceled? In the end, it was decided that the games would continue, which sparked disagreements among the athletes and the community. Many thought it was wrong to continue, and that the weekend should’ve been focused on the tragedy that occurred. Many worried for the safety of the athletes and started heated discussions all over social media about the resolution. Others, such as junior Jack Vermillion, a two-year CrossFitter, were “glad the games continued because most of the athletes were then competing in honor of Lazar.”
Upon making this decision, Dave Castro talked to the Dukic family directly. Specifically, Luka Dukic, Lazar’s brother, who was also a competitor. Later, when announcing that the games would in fact go on, Castro explained that it was “the wish of the family” and that they had “blessed” the decision to continue on, a lie that he created in order to justify his decision. It was later revealed that the Dukic family did not wish to continue with the games, leaving everyone to question Castro and why he had weaved this lie of deception.
Watching this tragedy tear the CrossFit community apart was a second devastation, escalating the situation even further. Vermillion explained, “the CrossFit community is a family. Even if you’re just starting, everyone is so welcoming,” which is something that this sport is known for. Lena Anagnostou, former CrossFit athlete, continues this idea of community and unity among the athletes, stating that her favorite part of going to the gym was “trying to beat all of [her] friends in the different workouts.” This is reflected across all levels of CrossFit, whether it’s beginners just learning how things work, or the highest level athletes competing at the games.
This tragedy shouldn’t have caused a divide within the community. Competing was one of Lazar’s biggest passions, where he contributed to the sense of unity seen on the floor, as well as enjoyed competing against his friends, specifically his brother. While many were torn on what was “right,” whether they should compete or not, each individual athlete made their own choice for what they thought was right. Those who competed chose to honor him in the best way they knew how. Some wore his name on their shirt. Some left him flowers at his athlete podium. Others took one minute of silence to honor him before each workout, even after the timer had started.
While there is no right answer as to how to handle the loss of someone so special, and the grief that accompanies it, one thing is certain. Standing together as a community is right. Anagnostou shares her thought “that the CrossFit community will never be the same,” after this tragedy, but coming together to support each other is the best way to navigate these troubled times.
The memory of Lazar remains in our hearts, and will never be forgotten.
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