Lazar Dukic, a 28-year-old CrossFit athlete, lost his life during the first day of the 2024 CrossFit Games in Texas. He drowned in a swimming event on August 8.
Fort Worth Fire Department responded to a drowning call, and Tarrant County Medical Examiner identified his lifeless body.
Highlights
- Lazar Dukic debuted at the 2021 CrossFit Games, highlighting the start of a remarkable career, and won the 2024 Europe Semifinal championship.
- He practiced CrossFit games with his brother, Luka Dukic, and they came to North Texas to compete in the CrossFit Games.
- His parents are from Serbia, and a GoFundMe page was created to support them.
Lazar vanished mid-competition and failed to reach the finish line at the 2024 CrossFit Games in Fort Worth, Texas.
Authorities discovered his body, and the CrossFit Games canceled the rest of that day’s events.
CrossFit is deeply saddened by the demise of a CrossFit Games competitor during the swimming portion of Individual Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games. The well-being of competitors is our priority, and we are heartbroken by this tragic event.
The CrossFit Games said
Lazar was known for his dedication and relentless work ethic. He often said, “Train harder than you will compete.“
Lazar Dukic Was A Four-Time CrossFit Games Athlete
Lazar Dukic was the 2024 Europe Semifinal champion and the first individual athlete to win three consecutive Semifinals.
He passionately played water polo in his home country for years and debuted at the 2021 CrossFit Games, highlighting the start of a remarkable career.
Lazar’s ultimate goal was to secure a spot on the podium at the CrossFit Games.
His parents were from Serbia, and he ranked 3rd in the male category of CrossFit Games in Serbia. Likewise, he ranked 33rd in Europe and 88th worldwide.
He grew up with his brother, Luka Dukic, who practiced CrossFit games, and they came to North Texas to compete in the CrossFit Games.
His brother finished eighth and ninth position in the previous three CrossFit Games.
A GoFundMe page has been started to support Lazar Dukic’s family. The goal was $200K, but it reached over $250K within the next day.
Beyond his athletic achievements, the CrossFit athlete was known for his kindness, humor, and supportive nature.
Nonetheless, Lazar Dukic is survived by his girlfriend Dr. Anja Pantovic, family, and close friends.
Additional Information
- Lazar Dukic’s philosophy drove him mentally and physically to push his limits as he prepared to face the intense demands of competition.
- Fridays’s Crossfit event will begin with a special tribute honoring Lazar at Dickies Arena at 10 a.m.
- The CrossFit Games are an annual competition to find the Fittest person on Earth. Athletes compete in high-intensity workouts that test strength, endurance, agility, and overall fitness.
