Tragedy struck the Crossfit world this summer time when Serbian athlete Lazar Ðukić drowned throughout an open-water swim as a part of a person occasion on the 2024 CrossFit Video games in Fort Value, Texas, on Aug. 8. Every week later, Crossfit despatched an electronic mail to the organizers of CrossFit Licensed occasions, writing that “efficient instantly, no open water or pool swimming occasions are allowed till additional discover.”
In a November assertion on motion taken within the wake of Ðukić’s loss of life, the Crossfit Video games reaffirmed its suspension of open-water swimming occasions. “If a future CrossFit Video games features a swimming part, it can happen in highly-controlled environments, corresponding to swimming pools, the place security groups can carefully monitor each athlete,” the assertion on the corporate’s web site reads.
Ðukić drowned on the finish of an 800-meter swim, which came about after a 3.5-mile run—a change from the standard swim, bike, run order of a triathlon. His loss of life raised questions concerning the security measures in place on the Video games. Footage from a since-removed livestream of the occasion confirmed Ðukić struggling within the water earlier than going beneath with lower than 50 meters remaining. Instantly after the incident, CrossFit CEO Don Faul stated there have been security personnel on website, although spectators reported the lifeguards didn’t act and others have been too far-off to listen to spectators’ requires assist.
The assertion shared the procedural modifications the corporate plans on implementing following the outcomes of an investigation that started after the 2024 Crossfit Video games. CrossFit shared six steps it could take to higher guarantee the protection of its athletes. Along with suspending open water swimming occasions, organizers “will conduct further on-site rehearsals for all occasion workers, security personnel, and volunteers to check security protocols and communications tools.”
Additional, “CrossFit can even guarantee paramedic groups and ambulances are on-site in any respect occasions even when they don’t seem to be legally required based mostly on native ordinances.” Different modifications embrace making a CrossFit Video games Security Advisory board, a CrossFit Athlete Council, and increasing psychological well being and emotional help assets.
“These modifications mirror CrossFit’s continued dedication to security. We’re assured these changes will improve our capacity to reply swiftly and successfully in any scenario whereas fostering a safer atmosphere for all athletes and occasion contributors,” the corporate wrote in its concluding remarks.
Particulars concerning the 2025 CrossFit Video games are nonetheless forthcoming.
