Recent Withdrawals from the 2024 CrossFit Games
In a surprising turn of events, Emma Tall, Elisa Fuliano, and Sam Cournoyer announced their withdrawal from the remainder of the 2024 CrossFit Games via social media. Their departures follow the devastating loss of fellow competitor Lazar Dukic, who tragically passed away during event 3. This incident has weighed heavily on many athletes, including Gui Malheiros, who withdrew from the last event of the evening after visibly struggling with the news.
With these withdrawals, the total number of individual athletes stepping back from the competition has reached nine, in addition to teams CrossFit Walleye and C23 CrossFit The Program Motion. The complete list of athletes no longer competing includes:
- Luka Dukic
- Jeff Adler
- Laura Horvath
- Karin Freyova
- Emma Tall
- Elisa Fuliano
- Victoria Campos
- Sam Cournoyer
- Guilherme Malheiros
Emma Tall’s Decision
Perhaps the most shocking withdrawal was that of Emma Tall. The Swedish athlete was sitting in 3rd place overall following the completion of event 2 but did not return for subsequent events. After the last event, Emma explained her decision on her Instagram stories:
“Following event 2 this afternoon, I made the decision to withdraw from the 2024 CrossFit Games. We all have a choice to make and this is the one that sits best with me. I will post my full thoughts soon.”
Elisa Fuliano’s Experience
Elisa Fuliano, an Italian competitor, opened up about her ordeal after witnessing the tragic event. In a video shared with her coach, Fuliano expressed the overwhelming emotions they experienced. During event 1, she suffered a panic attack, making it difficult for her to concentrate on competing. Despite completing events 2 and 3, she announced her withdrawal before the final event. She shared her thoughts in a heartfelt post:
“I’m withdrawing from the 2024 CrossFit Games. It’s a shame. What I craved so much for months doesn’t feel right anymore. I respect so much the athletes who had the courage to do it first when the moment was right. It’s just unacceptable what happened during Event #1 and it literally broke my heart…”
Sam Cournoyer’s Struggles
Sam Cournoyer also shared that his decision to withdraw was influenced by the death of Lazar Dukic, alongside personal health issues stemming from a bacterial infection he contracted just before the Games. In his statement, he conveyed his condolences and explained his situation:
“I still can’t wrap my head around this tragic and unfair situation. I started to feel really unwell… I am dealing with an intoxication with listeria bacteria from contaminated almond milk. However, with the tragic situation at hand, I have decided to end my season…”
Victoria Campos and Gui Malheiros
While both Brazilian athletes have not officially confirmed their withdrawal, Victoria Campos did not participate in the last two events of the night. Gui Malheiros, a close friend of Lazar Dukic, appeared visibly affected during his last event, ultimately not turning up for the last competition. It remains uncertain if he will continue competing, as the emotional toll seems significant.
This tragic series of events has deeply impacted the CrossFit community, and many athletes are reflecting on their personal decisions regarding the ongoing competition.
