The 2024 CrossFit Games were marred by the death of a participant.
Lazar Dukic, a 28-year-old Serbian, drowned during one of the events. Despite what happened, other participants continued and the event was not suspended by the organizers.
The 18th edition of the CrossFit Games took place from August 8 to 11 in Fort Worth, Texas, and was won by American James Sprague.
The competition put athletes from around the world to the test in terms of their endurance and strength.
Some of the tests they perform include high-intensity exercises with repetitions of squats and sit-ups; balance routines, weight lifting, strength races and open water swimming with rowing.
This swimming test turned out to be fatal for Lazar Dukic. During a live broadcast, he was seen struggling to continue while other competitors continued their course.
Dukic’s trail was lost in the final straight, and later, the organization confirmed his death, for which several figures raised their voices.
“While I know CrossFit doesn’t mean to hurt anyone, but when they say ‘safety is our top priority,’ I just don’t believe that to be true,” shared Brent Fikowski, who finished in third place.
Canadian athlete Patrick Vellner also said Dukic’s death should set a precedent.
At this year’s CrossFit Games, Australian Tia-Clair Toomey dominated six of the 10 events, becoming, for the seventh time, the champion of a Games without a podium or celebration. (Agencia Reforma / Cdmx).
