(VIDEO) Patrick Vellner’s Powerful Tribute to Lazar Dukic
After a day of competition marked by the death of Lazar Dukic, the 2024 CrossFit Games continued with the Midline Climb, Event 2, where several athletes, including one of the favorites, paid tribute to the Serbian.
Many participants decided to cover the name on their jerseys with "Dukic," a powerful tribute to their fellow competitor who lost his life the day before in Event 1, creating a story that shocked the entire world.
Patrick Vellner recorded the best time with 14:14.05, and when he reached the finish line of his heat, he picked up the shirt that was on the ground and showed it to the crowd at Dickies Arena, which responded with applause for the Canadian's gesture.

Undoubtedly, one of the most emotional moments of the competition, which organizers decided to continue despite the death of Lazar Dukic.
What happened to Lazar Dukic at the 2024 CrossFit Games?
During Event 1 of the 2024 CrossFit Games, the Serbian athlete disappeared in the final stretch of the swim, about 100 meters from the finish line. Later, the competition’s organization reported that he had lost his life.
“CrossFit is deeply saddened by the death of one of the competitors at the 2024 CrossFit Games.”
The statement also mentions that the organization is closely cooperating with the authorities: “We are working in full cooperation with the authorities and doing everything possible to support the family during this difficult time.”
Several attendees claimed to have seen Dukic struggling in the water. Additionally, during the live broadcast of the CrossFit Games, it can be noticed from a distance that the Serbian was having some difficulty staying afloat.