The CrossFit Games resumed on Friday, August 9 – just one day after the death of one of the competitors.
On Thursday, August 8, Lazar Djukic — a 28-year-old resident of Serbia — drowned at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas, while competing in the swimming portion of the CrossFit Games.
CrossFit first suspended the Games after news of Djukic’s death. But in a joint Instagram post shared by CrossFit and the company’s former CEO Dave Castro late Thursday night, the organization announced that the competition will resume on Friday.
“Today is the saddest day in the history of @CrossFit. We are devastated by the loss of Lazar Đukić and the entire CrossFit community,” they wrote. “Lazar was one of the most talented competitors in our sport, but he was much more than an athlete. He was a son, brother and friend to virtually everyone who knew him.”
Lazar Djukic.
Lazar Dukic/Instagram
The tribute described the athlete as “fiercely competitive, incurably joyful and uncommonly kind”, adding that his death was “unthinkable”.
“The first instinct is to shut down. Isolate. Grieve,” CrossFit and Castro continued. “But the only cure for grief is grieving. And the best way to grieve is together. In our community, coming together to do hard things is how we pay our respects.”
“It is in this spirit that we have decided to move on with the CrossFit Games in 2024. This weekend is dedicated to Lazar Đukić”, they continued and announced the continuation of the games on Friday at 10 a.m.
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On Friday morning, the CrossFit Games opened with a tribute to Đukić.
After the competitors dressed in all-black CrossFit uniforms entered the Dickies Arena, the announcer said: “Today we pay tribute to Lazar Đukić, an outstanding athlete, brother, son, partner and friend. His competitive spirit, uncommon kindness and joyful presentation will be deeply admired missed by all who knew him.”
After a moment of silence, the announcer concluded with the words: “We dedicate the 2024 CrossFit Games to Lazar Đukić”.
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Jet ski tows buoys from CrossFit Games on Marine Creek Lake.
Amanda McCoy/Star-Telegram via AP
In a GoFundMe campaign, organizers wrote that they were “taking immediate action to support his loved ones during this time,” having raised $339,590 of their initial $200,000 goal as of Friday.
“After years of passionately playing water polo in his native Serbia, his debut at the 2021 CrossFit Games marked the beginning of an extraordinary career. He shared a special bond with his brother Luka, introducing him to CrossFit and guiding him along the way,” the organizers wrote.
They added: “Our deepest condolences to his girlfriend Anja, brother Luka, friends and family. Lazar’s legacy of approaching life with kindness and humor will always be remembered.”
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Source: HIS Education