CrossFit Games Resume 1 Day After the Death of Competitor Lazar Đukić

Đukić drowned in Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas during the swimming portion of the competition on Thursday, Aug. 8

The CrossFit Games have resumed on Friday, Aug. 9 — just one day after the death of one of its competitors.

On Thursday, Aug. 8, Lazar Đukić — a 28-year-old resident of Serbia — drowned at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas, while competing in the swimming portion of CrossFit Games.

CrossFit initially suspended the Games upon the news of Đukić's death. But in a joint Instagram post shared by CrossFit and the company's former CEO, Dave Castro, late Thursday evening, the organization announced that competition would resume on Friday.

"Today is the saddest day in @CrossFit history. We are shattered by the loss of Lazar Đukić along with the entire CrossFit community," they wrote. "Lazar was one of our sport’s most talented competitors, but he was much more than an athlete. He was a son, a brother, and a friend to practically everyone who knew him."

The tribute went on to describe the athlete as "fiercely competitive, incurably joyful and uncommonly kind," adding that his death was "inconceivable."

"The first instinct is to shut down. To isolate. To mourn," CrossFit and Castro continued. "But the only cure for grief is to grieve. And the best way to grieve is together. In our community, coming together to do hard things is how we pay tribute."

"In this spirit, we have decided to move forward with the 2024 CrossFit Games. This weekend is dedicated to Lazar Đukić," they continued, announcing that the Games would resume at 10 a.m. on Friday.

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On Friday morning, the CrossFit Games opened with a tribute to Đukić.

After competitors dressed in all-black CrossFit uniforms entered the Dickies Arena, an announcer said, "Today, we honor Lazar Đukić, a remarkable athlete, brother, son, partner and friend. His competitive spirit, uncommon kindness and joyful presentation will be deeply missed by all who knew him."

Following a moment of silence, the announcer concluded by saying, "We dedicate the 2024 CrossFit Games to Lazar Đukić."

In a GoFundMe campaign, organizers wrote that they "are immediately taking action to support his loved ones during this time," raising $339,590 of their initial $200,000 goal as of Friday.

"After years of passionately playing water polo in his home country Serbia, his debut at the 2021 CrossFit Games highlighted the start of a remarkable career. He shared a special bond with his brother Luka, introducing him to CrossFit and guiding him along the way," the organizers wrote.

They added, "To his girlfriend Anja, brother Luka, friends and family, we extend our deepest condolences. Lazar's legacy of approaching life with kindness and humor will always be remembered."

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