The 2024 CrossFit Games were marred by tragedy when Serbian athlete Lazar Dukic tragically passed away during the opening event. This devastating incident has brought athlete safety to the forefront of discussions within the CrossFit community. Brent Fikowski, a 9-time CrossFit Games competitor, has been vocal about his concerns regarding safety standards and protocols within the sport.
In a recent podcast with Men’s Health, Fikowski discussed how he had established the Professional Fitness Athletes Association (PFAA) to advocate for stricter safety measures and a fairer competitive environment for athletes. Following Dukic’s passing, Fikowski revealed that the PFAA had raised concerns about the safety protocols for the 2024 CrossFit Games, particularly in relation to the extreme Texas heat after the event was moved from California.
Fikowski expressed frustration with the lack of transparency and communication from the CrossFit Games organizers regarding safety measures. Despite efforts from the PFAA to provide input and guidance on how to ensure athlete safety in challenging conditions, Fikowski felt that their concerns were dismissed or not adequately addressed.
The tragic loss of Lazar Dukic has highlighted larger issues within the CrossFit community, according to Fikowski. He believes that there is a systemic problem with how feedback and input from athletes are received by the organization. Fikowski emphasized the need for collaboration and open dialogue between athletes and organizers to prioritize safety and well-being.
Looking ahead, Fikowski is committed to leading efforts through the PFAA to drive positive change within the sport of CrossFit. He aims to advocate for improved safety standards and protocols to prevent future tragedies like the one experienced at the 2024 CrossFit Games. Fikowski’s dedication to ensuring a safer and more inclusive environment for all athletes underscores the importance of prioritizing athlete well-being in competitive sports.
In response to Lazar Dukic’s passing, CrossFit released a statement expressing their devastation and condolences to Dukic’s family and the CrossFit community. The organization suspended the CrossFit Games briefly to pay tribute to Dukic before resuming the competition. CrossFit has yet to address Fikowski’s concerns publicly, but the incident has sparked important conversations about athlete safety and the need for improved standards within the sport.
The tragic events at the 2024 CrossFit Games serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of prioritizing athlete safety in all competitive sports. Brent Fikowski’s advocacy for enhanced safety measures and clearer guidelines within CrossFit reflects a broader call for accountability and transparency in ensuring the well-being of athletes. As the CrossFit community mourns the loss of Lazar Dukic, there is a renewed focus on creating a safer and more supportive environment for all participants in the sport.