Tragedy struck during the 2024 CrossFit Games in Texas as athlete Lazar Đukić drowned while competing in a swimming event. The 28-year-old athlete from Serbia went missing during the „Lake Day“ event, which included a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim. Witness reports indicated that Đukić appeared to be struggling in the water before ultimately going under.
Competitor Cole Learn from Ontario, Canada, recounted the harrowing moment when he saw Đukić struggling to stay afloat before disappearing beneath the water. Despite efforts to alert lifeguards, the athlete tragically did not resurface. Emergency services were called to the Marine Creek Reservoir, and a dive team and drones were deployed to locate Đukić’s body, which was found approximately an hour later.
The remainder of the day’s events were canceled as CrossFit CEO Don Faul addressed the media, expressing condolences to the community and the athlete’s family. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning is currently underway, with law enforcement looking into the event’s safety protocols and response procedures.
The incident has raised concerns about athlete safety during CrossFit competitions, with some recalling past incidents where athletes faced similar challenges. Mat Fraser, a prominent CrossFit athlete, had a near-drowning experience during a previous Games, highlighting the risks involved in such physically demanding events. Other athletes, such as Brent Fikowski, have also been involved in water-related rescues during competitions.
The competition’s rules require athletes to sign waivers, which are intended to protect race directors and sponsors rather than competitors in the event of injury or death. While Marine Creek Lake is described as calm and suitable for water activities, the tragic outcome of Đukić’s participation in the swimming event has prompted calls for increased safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
As the CrossFit community mourns the loss of Lazar Đukić, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of all athletes participating in competitive events. The investigation into the circumstances of the drowning will shed light on any lapses in safety protocols and serve as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing athlete welfare in high-intensity sports competitions.