Popular CrossFit Games competitor Lazar Dukic was reported missing during the final swimming section of Event 1 at the 2024 CrossFit Games. The highly anticipated event featured a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim, taking place around Marine Creek Lake. Unfortunately, the day’s festivities took a tragic turn when it became apparent that Dukic had not finished.
nn
Event Overview
n
The individual athletes kicked off the competition early on Thursday, January 8, with the following format:
n
- n
- 3.5-mile run
- 800-meter swim
n
n
nn
Although the run portion faced no major issues, with the only withdrawal being Victor Hoffer from France due to an injury, the atmosphere shifted dramatically once the athletes entered the water for the swim.
nn
What Happened During the Swim?
n
As the competition unfolded, Jelle Hoste led the swim, with Dukic closely trailing. At the 30-minute mark in the livestream, commentators remarked on Dukic’s strong performance, placing him in second. Just under seven minutes later, Hoste emerged victorious at the finish line, while viewers remarked on Dukic’s struggle as he meandered through the water without a cap, alternating between breaststroke and freestyle.
nn
Moments later, elite competitors like Tia-Clair Toomey, Brent Fikowski, and Roman Khrennikov crossed the finish line, but there was still no sign of Dukic. Noticing his prolonged absence, spectators grew increasingly concerned. At the 45:47 mark, commentator Chase Ingraham remarked on the lack of sightings of Dukic, suggesting the possibility of a timing malfunction.
nn
The Emergence of Concern
n
As more athletes completed the event, the organizers and crowd became noticeably anxious. An official announcement came through the loudspeakers that the event was canceled, urging attendees to return to the CrossFit Games villa. Shortly after this announcement, a rescue boat was dispatched to the lake.
nn
In the livestream, close examination revealed troubling footage of Dukic’s head bobbing above the water before vanishing moments prior to Toomey’s finish. As wild speculation flooded social platforms, CrossFit made the livestream private, leading observers to wonder about the gravity of the situation.
nn
Official Reports and Confirmation
n
Reports surfaced from local news outlets indicating that the Fort Worth Fire Department received calls about a potential drowning around 8 AM local time. By 10 AM, a body was recovered from the lake.
nn
At 11:42 AM, CrossFit shared an official statement on social media expressing deep sorrow regarding the loss of a competitor during Event 1’s swimming segment. The statement underscored their condolences for Dukic’s family and friends.
nn
Tragic Update
n
By 6:38 PM local time, CrossFit confirmed the death of Lazar Dukic, leaving the CrossFit community in shock and mourning.
nn
About Lazar Dukic
n
Lazar Dukic, born on April 18, 1996, was a well-respected professional athlete in the CrossFit community. Known for his strength, endurance, and competitive spirit, Dukic had made a name for himself with impressive finishes in the CrossFit Games.
nn
Notable Achievements
n
- n
- 2023 CrossFit Games – 9th place
- 2022 CrossFit Games – 8th place
- 2021 CrossFit Games – 9th place
n
n
n
nn
Background
n
Dukic began his CrossFit journey in 2014 after a successful career in traditional sports like basketball. His natural athletic ability combined with fierce dedication propelled him to the upper echelons of the sport within just a few short years.
