A Tribute to Lazar Đukić

Today is the saddest day in CrossFit history. We are shattered by the loss of Lazar Đukić along with the entire CrossFit community.

Lazar was one of our sport’s most talented competitors, but he was much more than an athlete. He was a son, a brother, and a friend to practically everyone who knew him. Fiercely competitive, incurably joyful and uncommonly kind, Lazar was the sun of any room he was in. The loss of his light is inconceivable.

The first instinct to shut down. To isolate. To mourn.

But the only cure for grief is to grieve. And the best way to grieve is together. In our community, coming together to do hard things is how we pay tribute. In this spirit, we have decided to move forward with the 2024 CrossFit Games.

This weekend is dedicated to Lazar Đukić. We will open today at 10:00 am.

[bubbaballer]

I’m a lifeguard. There were two paddle boarders within 50 feet of him. Not to be insensitive, but both of them should have seen him struggling and him go under. It’s very sad and this shouldn’t have happened. RIP man ❤🙏

[burdenofproofreading]

I can't even watch. 😪 The fact the leaderboard still has his name with "WD" beside it is pretty cold. He did not withdraw. He died because of your negligence.

[RogueCylon]

Angered at how this happened. Watching the live stream it was evident that something was wrong. From his taking off his cap to changing his stroke when he’s a professional freestyler. He was in trouble, and had no support.

[WalksAlone]

Lazar Dukic was an Ambassador of Kindness. You don't see that much in society anymore, be it European or American. He was positively and honestly flagrant with it. For that, I salute him. 🙏

[kairandbellinger]

To LAZAR FAMILY AND FRIENDS & the CrossFit -Community - BLESSINGS and PRAYERS! You are not alone. All of us sitting in our homes and gyms are with you. And the same blessings go out to the young people who were on the lake as Safety Members - We are with you as well. We recognize your life has changed and we wish you peace and balance. I love the community of Crossfit - Thank you from a old FAN.

[GohanKanor]

After what happened yesterday, I believed they had hit their lowest point. This one-minute incident, during which no one from HQ said anything, is making matters worse.

[ejtso]

Dave Castro needs to be held accountable for what happened on that swim course.

[sentientmlem]

If this is what the family wanted for a tribute, I'm cool with that. If not, then this was way too short and borderline insulting.

[Lifehearthustle]

I’m hoping they give more recognition and tribute to Lazar than what we just witnessed. Such a heartbreak for the entire community. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like for everyone involved. Sending my love to Lazar’s family and friends. Sending my love and support to all of the athletes during this awful time! No matter what is done, someone won’t be happy. All we can do as a community is show love.

[Craig_Alexander]

RIP Lazar. The community loved you and still does ❤

[daninouye]

This will go down in business schools as a case study of how NOT to respond to a tragedy/crisis.

[KarreTB]

I thought they reached the bottom with what happened yesterday. This 1 minute event with no words from anyone from HQ is adding insult to injury.

[DerliGuatemala]

All I want is for him to witness the amazing love and support that the community has shown. What a remarkable person. Hugs to everyone who was touched.

[elical]

My condolences to his family and friends. May God comfort your hearts. from a crossfiter friend in Nicaragua.❤

[luisnabais]

This was what exactly? To honor "Lalarz" (like she called him)? This was disrespectful, at least. Zooming on crying people? Only 17 seconds of silence to reflect on the memories we hold dear and let's get out? This just seems like a way for CF to get more money from media content. I'm usually a positive person, but when I think CF will get it this time and it's not possible to disappoint more, they make stuff like this. This is just so sad, I believe I'm not alone in saying we expected more, much more. Longer and more caring words, from multiple people, a legacy video, something!

[TheMILLZ]

There is so much great footage of of him. I know this community has great talented video makers who could have put something together to have shown the crowd. Really do not understand why one was not shown.

[PeteF]

In my opinion, this was an appropriate event for those attending or participating at the games who are living the real grief and trauma. We armchair viewers can find plenty of extended video tributes in our own time without forcing athletes, family, fans (and organisers) to parade their pain and grief for an extended period just to satisfy our desire for a live-stream spectacle.

[mntbike]

This is still so raw, it would have been cruel to drag the ceremony out too long. I think making it short was the right call.

[drew]

I only wish he could see the incredible support and outpouring of love from the community. What an incredible human. Much love to all impacted.

[swoosh]

This was the tribute?
How embarrassing and what a shame.
Just holding the camera onto Luka showing him cry and no speech by the officials?
I can’t believe it!

RIP LAZAR. YOU WILL BE MISSED