Lazar Dukic, who passed away during Event 1 of the 2024 CrossFit Games, was a Serbian athlete globally recognized for his ability to compete at the highest level in these “Fitness” competitions that push human capacity to the limit.

Since 2021, Dukic had consistently qualified for the CrossFit Games, even being a regular in the Top 10. In the 2021 season, he finished ninth, in 2022, eighth, and in 2023, he repeated the ninth place. In 2019, he qualified for the Fitness competition as the national champion of Serbia, but he declined the invitation to the event and chose to make his debut two years later.

Throughout his career, he achieved the title of national champion of his country six times, and before CrossFit, he was a Water Polo player. However, during a trip as a student to the United States, he discovered this new discipline thanks to a roommate who was more familiar with it.

What happened to Lazar Dukic at the 2024 CrossFit Games?

During Event 1 of the 2024 CrossFit Games, the Serbian athlete went missing in the final stretch of the swim, about 100 meters from the finish line. Subsequently, the competition’s organization reported that he had lost his life.

“CrossFit is deeply saddened by the death of one of the competitors at the 2024 CrossFit Games.”

The statement also mentions that the organization is closely cooperating with the authorities: “We are working in full cooperation with the authorities and doing everything possible to support the family during this difficult time.”

Several attendees claimed to have seen Dukic struggling in the water. Additionally, during the live broadcast of the CrossFit Games, it can be noticed from a distance that the Serbian was having some difficulty staying afloat.

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