On Friday, Sept. 6, CrossFit CEO Don Faul sent an email to athletes, coaches, and agents regarding Lazar Đukić’s death during the 2024 CrossFit Games. The email comes on the heels of Luka Đukić’s statement on Instagram, where he was critical of CrossFit’s handling of the tragedy.
“I am writing to share several updates with our community,” Faul began the email. “Before doing so, I want to acknowledge the emotional post shared by Lazar’s brother Luka yesterday. While nothing can reverse the tragedy of his passing, we continue to work as quickly as we can on several fronts to understand the facts.“
The Morning Chalk Up obtained Faul’s email, and we have detailed three important takeaways below.
[Related: Inside the Decision to Continue the 2024 CrossFit Games Following Lazar Đukić’s Tragic Death]
3 Key Takeaways From Don Faul’s Email
1. Third-Party Investigation Update
The investigation to identify the facts and circumstances surrounding Đukić’s death is “underway,” Faul wrote.
“We encourage any individuals that were present at the Games and who desire to speak with the investigator about the swim and individual Event 1 to do so; we will be following up directly with instructions on how to reach the investigator. We thank those of you who have already come forward to help with this process,” he added.
2. Personal Meetings Are Underway
Faul also wrote that in the last three weeks, he has “personally met with many of our athletes and other members of the community.”
“These conversations have helped me better understand issues that are top-of-mind and the different points of view that exist,” he continued. He added that he will continue these one-on-one conversations in the coming weeks to determine the future of the sport.
More specifically, Faul identified three key themes he intends to continue to figure out through these conversations:
“How we manage the Sport season to best support all of our athletes and the broader CrossFit community.”
“How we gather input, make decisions, communicate and support athletes throughout the Sport season.”
“The potential evolution of Sport and how it can best support the CrossFit community in the future.”
He concluded: “Collecting this feedback will take time, but it’s important to ensure we hear from each important group before we make any changes. We look forward to sharing more in the coming weeks.”
[Related: Dave Castro Issues Public Apology to the Đukić Family: “I Absolutely Made a Mistake”]
3. Mental Health and Trauma Support
Faul finished by saying that CrossFit is offering mental health and trauma support to those who attended the 2024 CrossFit Games.
The details: CrossFit is offering access to eight free coaching or therapy sessions within a six-month period, starting today and ending on February 28, 2025.
One Big Thing
Notably missing from Don Faul’s email was any reference to the PFAA’s demands, which were made to CrossFit on Aug. 20. One of these demands included the removal of the Director of the CrossFit Games, Dave Castro, from CrossFit’s “Sport Team.”
The Big Picture
The biggest takeaway from Faul’s email is the one-on-one conversations he’s had with athletes and community members, which has been lacking in the past.
Since Đukić’s death, athletes have been vocal, to say the least. They want a more transparent CrossFit that listens to their feedback and prioritizes their safety.
In light of this, these one-on-one conversations with Faul could perhaps be the start of the change the community is looking for.
CrossFit Community Looks to Athletes on Social Media, Aims to Connect With Đukić Family
“He Was There, Then He Was Gone”: Former Lifeguard Gives Eyewitness Account of Lazar Đukić’s Death
“You Loved the Sport That Didn’t Love You Back”: Luka Đukić Comments on Brother Lazar’s Death
Featured image: Carlos Fleury
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