The Professional Fitness Athletes’ Association (PFAA) has issued a stark demand: remove Dave Castro, the Director of the CrossFit Games, from his position on CrossFit’s Sport Team.

This call for action comes just 12 days after the tragic death of elite CrossFit athlete Lazar Đukić during the 2024 CrossFit Games.

On the afternoon of August 20, 2024, the PFAA communicated its demands directly to CrossFit CEO Don Faul, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

The association’s request is not limited to Castro’s removal; it also includes two additional demands aimed at overhauling athlete safety protocols within the sport.

The Tragic Catalyst: Đukić’s Death

Lazar Đukić’s untimely death during the swim portion of Event 1 has sent shockwaves through the CrossFit community. For many athletes, this tragic event has highlighted longstanding concerns about the organization’s approach to safety and athlete welfare.

The PFAA, representing the collective interests of CrossFit athletes, has pointed to Đukić’s death as the breaking point in what they describe as years of inadequate safety measures and insufficient risk management by CrossFit leadership.

PFAA’s Demands: A Call for Change

The PFAA’s demands to CrossFit include:

Removal of Dave Castro: The association has lost trust in Castro’s ability to lead the sport, citing a history of disregarding athlete input and safety concerns.

Transparency in Investigations: The PFAA is calling for CrossFit to provide transparency regarding the ongoing third-party investigation into Đukić’s death. They demand clear communication on the findings and subsequent changes to safety protocols.

Creation of an Independent Safety Team: The PFAA insists that CrossFit establish an independent safety team that will work closely with the PFAA to ensure ongoing athlete safety.

Loss of Trust in Castro’s Leadership

Brent Fikowski, PFAA President and a competitor in the Games, has been vocal about the association’s concerns. Speaking with Morning Chalk Up, Fikowski stated, “We feel like Dave Castro can’t be part of the sport team with the trust that we’ve lost in him.”

He acknowledged Castro’s contributions to the CrossFit Games but questioned his competence to lead the sport forward, particularly in areas of safety and collaboration.

Fikowski highlighted a critical moment following Đukić’s death when he confronted Castro about the decision to continue the competition.

Despite a room full of athletes and coaches urging caution, Castro proceeded with the event, later claiming that athlete input had been a significant factor in the decision. Fikowski disagrees, stating that Castro’s actions reflected a pattern of disregarding athlete voices in crucial decisions.

PFAA’s Broader Strategy

The PFAA’s demands are the first steps in what they describe as a larger effort to reshape the sport’s culture and governance.

In preparation for their announcement, the PFAA hosted two calls with its members—athletes, coaches, and agents—to discuss the plan and gather feedback. The consensus was clear: more significant changes are needed to protect athletes and restore trust in the organization.

Grace Paulus, the PFAA’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasized that these demands are just the beginning. The association aims to ensure that the future of CrossFit includes stronger, more transparent leadership that prioritizes athlete safety.

A Pivotal Moment for CrossFit

The PFAA’s demands mark a pivotal moment in the relationship between CrossFit’s leadership and its athletes.

For years, concerns about safety and decision-making have simmered beneath the surface, only now boiling over in the wake of Đukić’s death. The association’s call for Castro’s removal signals a critical shift in the power dynamics within the sport.

The coming days will reveal how CrossFit responds to these demands and whether the organization is willing to take the necessary steps to regain the trust of its athletes. For the PFAA, this is just the beginning of a larger battle to ensure that the sport evolves in a way that prioritizes the well-being of its competitors.