The 2024 CrossFit Games took a tragic turn when Serbian athlete Lazar Đukić passed away during the first event, casting a shadow over the entire competition. The sudden loss of Đukić left the status of the Games in question, prompting some competitors, including reigning champions Jeffrey Adler and Laura Horvath, to drop out. Despite the somber atmosphere, other athletes chose to continue competing in honor of Đukić during the four-day championship held in Fort Worth, Texas from August 8 through 11.
In the midst of the tragedy, women’s GOAT Tia-Clair Toomey-Orr reclaimed her title, securing her seventh CrossFit Games win. Toomey-Orr’s dominant performance included winning six out of the 10 events and never placing outside of the top 10. She finished 151 points ahead of runner-up Gabriela Migała, with Emily Rolfe of Canada taking third place with 770 points. On the men’s side, James Sprague emerged victorious, becoming the tenth man to win the Games since its inception in 2007.
Toomey-Orr’s victory was particularly impressive considering she had taken a break from individual competition in 2023 after giving birth to her first child. Despite this, she continued to compete in the Teams division of the Games, earning second place. Sprague, on the other hand, was competing in only his second CrossFit Games appearance and managed to overcome a 60-point deficit to clinch the title, beating out seasoned competitors like Brent Fikowski and Dallin Pepper.
The tragic events surrounding Đukić’s passing raised questions about the safety protocols of the CrossFit Games. An official cause of death has yet to be released, but it is known that Đukić was seen struggling in the water during the first event before his body was recovered later that day. The competition was briefly suspended, but ultimately resumed with a dedication to Đukić, a decision that led to some athletes withdrawing from the Games in protest.
In response to the incident, CrossFit CEO Don Faul announced plans to conduct a third-party investigation into the safety protocols of the Games. Faul emphasized the company’s commitment to transparency and implementing any necessary changes based on the results of the investigation. The tragic events of the 2024 CrossFit Games serve as a sobering reminder of the risks involved in competitive sports and the importance of prioritizing athlete safety above all else.