CrossFit calls Lazar Đukić’s drowning at Games ‘the saddest day in CrossFit history’

CrossFit called the death of leading competitor Lazar Đukić “the saddest day” in the organization’s 24-year history — while sparking outrage for continuing its annual CrossFit Games on Friday.

The wildly popular fitness organization posted a tribute around midnight Thursday, just hours after the 28-year-old Serbian athlete drowned near the end of a livestreamed 800-meter swim at the CrossFit Games in Fort Worth’s Marine Creek Lake.

“Today is the saddest day in @CrossFit history,” wrote the organization, which was started by Greg Glassman in 2000.

“We are shattered by the loss of Lazar Đukić along with the entire CrossFit community.

“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 described Đukić as “fiercely competitive, incurably joyful and uncommonly kind” and “the sun of any room he was in.”

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“The loss of his light is inconceivable,” said the tribute, also posted by the CrossFit Games event he was competing in.

“The first instinct is to shut down. To isolate. To mourn,” it 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.”

The announcement to proceed Friday — less than 24 hours after the tragedy — didn’t go down well with many CrossFit followers.

“As a CrossFit fan and coach, I find this decision incredibly disappointing. You could still grieve as a community in so many other ways,” one person wrote in response to the post.

Another said: “Hard to feel like this is not just about the financial ramifications of canceling the rest of the games.”

Body found after CrossFit athlete Lazar Dukic vanishes during swimming competition

A third person wrote: “It’s not just a moral question on whether to continue or not after a person has died. But a question of safety. The Crossfit Games has failed to demonstrate appropriate safety protocols and training. Has anyone checked if they’re actually going to have additional support for the team event?”

Similar comments flooded the Games’ social media accounts.

“Games should be canceled. An athlete died on your watch. Terrible decision,” a person quipped.

Another wrote: “Seriously??? this decision is really disappointing! Lazar died YESTERDAY in one of your events, with high negligence from the staff, and the games keep forward?”

CrossFit CEO Don Faul said a safety plan was in place and safety personnel were on site and that details of what happened will be part of a review with local law enforcement.

“We’ll continue to be focused on our community and the family through this tragic set of circumstances,” Faul said.

“There’s a lot of people in the community that are hurting right now, that are really sad, that knew the athlete well, that loved, respected this person. A lot of people are in mourning.”

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On Friday morning, the 2024 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 revealed: “We dedicate the 2024 CrossFit Games to Lazar Đukić.”

Đukić, who was from Serbia, had competed in the CrossFit Games for several years.

He was ranked third in Serbia and 88th in the world in the male category.

The athlete teased his appearance at the Games on his Instagram in the days leading up to the event. Late Wednesday, he encouraged his fans to tune into the individual run swim.

Đukić vanished during the swimming portion of the individual run swim, which started with a 3.5-mile run and was capped off by the 800-meter swim.

About 10,000 people from across the world are in Fort Worth for the event, which will run through Sunday, the Star-Telegram noted.

A GoFundMe has been set up to support Đukić’s family. It has raised nearly $312,000 as of Friday.

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