Unforgivable tragedy at the CrossFit games

[@mitchellhooperstrongman]

A couple speaking errors on my behalf: Water temperature was 87 degrees F, not C. Run was 3.5 miles, not KM. Air temperature was low 80’s F at the beginning of the run, I looked at the temperature when I heard about the incident which was 90 F. I apologize for any confusion but I believe the sentiment is appropriately captured regardless of my errors in speaking. This was difficult to articulate for a length of time with with a clear head and I intend to inflict no ill will on anyone involved, I just hope this brings more awareness to play a small part in positive change. Lift heavy, be kind ❤

[@DavidVirtanen]

When You Said 87°C My Reaction Was Like What The 💀💀💀💀

[@adultdeleted]

regardless, there has been a heat warning here in texas for the past week (?) and i haven't even been going outside except in the evening or short periods if the sun is up high. the sun is a constant enemy in the summer. texans know this.

[@alvinkorus5679]

@@DavidVirtanena bit warmer than I’d like.

[@RaidenMK67]

Well that’s how hot it would feel to us Canadians!!! Lol

[@stephentobey8556]

@@mitchellhooperstrongman It’s all good. We know what you meant.

[@samanthaquant7411]

“If you can’t run, you stop. If you can’t swim, you die.” Very true.

[@leelunk8235]

BS. YOU FLOAT OR YOU SWIN LIKE A NAVY SEAL. UNTIL RESCUE ARRIVES

[@joshmckay9133]

Chilling.

[@spudbencer7179]

The fact that a fucking spectator noticed and they told him to go back out makes me so insanely angry it's unbelievable. Holy crap.

[@kyle52245]

That's what really frustrates me. What were the lifeguards doing? watching the race as "spectators"?

[@KenGi973]

they need to contact the spectator and sue their pants off

[@MikeBarbarossa]

Sounds li the Trump rally, where the spectator is the one who spotted the shooter

[@shawnmichaud4484]

​@JZ-xu3vg the saving shouldve happened far before he was unable to stay afloat

[@warlordmel]

@@kyle52245 Looking good for TV, the live stream.. WHERE THEY EVEN life guards??? A real one WOULD NOT ACT THAT WAY!!??

[@seamieshame]

As an ex lifeguard, this is shocking. Not only did they fail to see what was happening right next to them, they ignored someone telling them that someone went under. Absolute criminal negligence, on them and the organisation, should have been more and better trained lifeguards.

[@f.kieranfinney457]

Guard standards in some states are shockingly low. Bronze medallion, off you go. Best to drown in CA or NJ

[@margauxnodvin7478]

@@f.kieranfinney457or in Australia on Bondi Beach

[@ellemmenn2930]

It’s probably why they’re trying to keep this as quiet as possible… they know they’re responsible and they’re trying to avoid being held accountable… imo

[@louiscyfer6944]

​@@ellemmenn2930 they are going to pay big.

[@monashiding]

I did open water lifeguarding for years. It’s unforgivable. You train for exactly this - to NOTICE. To be aware. To see when someone is struggling because it never looks obvious. It makes me sick this happened.

[@amazinggrace5692]

Drowning is silent. In TV and movies you see people waving their arms and yelling help, but that is not what happens in real life. This is tragically negligent on the people who ignored the spectator. RIP to Lazar and comfort to the families.

[@suitejodi]

You’re 💯 right

[@jameswhite153]

when I was in junior school, we had swimming lessons in the schools own pool. now when I say pool it was maybe 8 metres long. even then the professional lifeguard who was teaching hadn't noticed that one of the girls hadn't come back up for air before my mum grabbed her by the back of the neck and lifted onto the side of the pool.

[@LCDRformat]

As a lifeguard, I am very surprised and disappointed. We are trained to recognize a drowning person. They cannot cry out when fighting to keep their heads above the water. If you as a lifeguard do not recognize and respond, you ought to be held responsible. Disgraceful.

[@neoskhaos]

exactly, I dont think they really were lifeguards :/

[@Brandon68plus1]

I doubt the lifeguards will be held liable.

[@usbgus]

It's the crossfit games so I assume they got volunteers with no actual experience.

[@DaMoose13]

I was a lifeguard at a large hotspring. The pool bottom was very dark, so we kept double the lifeguards on duty to accommodate. I can not believe they didn't have quadruple the lifeguards or even drone operators monitoring a set area.

[@sharroon7574]

Apparently, they were there for decoration. Some people are useless.

[@Valkyrie1911]

The fact that people saw what was happening, jumped in to save him while alerting lifeguards, and were turned away is insane. The fact that a lifeguard, after being told about someone going under, paddled over, did a few circles and basically said "Meh", is inexcusable.

[@dekjules32]

Is there a reason why the fellow competitor that saw him didn't stop to help? I know the video said he was screaming at the lifeguards but if they weren't responding appropriately... Definitely need some changes by CrossFit HQ.

[@BtheLee11]

Yes the reason is, and he said it in the video too, was that they themselves had just finished the race. Theyre in just as much danger of drowning after finishing as lazar was... cmon man that's obvious dont victim blame the other athletes (because yes they are victims of seeing something tragic). This falls squarly on that lifeguard's shoulders and they need to know and be reminded every day for the rest of their lives that they killed someone. This is negligence to a high degree and i wouldnt be surprised if a wrongful death lawsuit comes out against that guard/their company ​@@dekjules32

[@_EatCrow]

@@dekjules32 This was at the very end of an intense endurance event, he was probably too tired to carry a whole other person on his back while he's also likely also not a professional open water swimmer. Carrying a whole other body of dense muscle is the opposite of easy.

[@co0kii]

@@dekjules32 It could be more dangerous to help a drowning person without equipment, a drowning person will likely grab on to their rescuer, and in panic, both could end up drowning. The spectator that jumped in wanting to help is selfless and brave to do so, the lifeguards in this event were really neglectful and irresponsible.

[@lorgerdat]

Sadly cross fit doesn’t attract the best kind of people, many are self obsessed fitness fanatics who only care to win.

[@ACm1510]

I worked a triathlon as a kayak support for swimmers. I saw a swimmer who was struggling and starting to go under the water. The lifeguard didn’t see him. I pulled him on my boat and got the lifeguards attention. Kayak spotters are so important for these events. Were they there? The swimmer had had a heart attack and had to be revived. He lived.

[@Mike-hn4uu]

I am a volunteer for a Rotary triathlon this year in sunny, hot af Florida and it's coming up soon.... I am going to be so freaking vigilant after seeing this disgusting story unfold and after reading your comment - so please know that this comment did not go unnoticed.

[@6nosis]

GodSpeed

[@Autumn_Forest_]

You saved his life!! God put you right there.

[@namastemcl]

Exactly….as a paddlboard rescuer for Ironman MD we are never more than a few feet from the swimmers

[@rabies7290]

!00% The kayaking community is huge and passionate about water safety: our local triathlon organizers reached out to the whitewater clubs for support and it wasn't hard to find volunteers. (We're pretty used to rescuing each other plus yard sales of boats and gear, so it's no sacrifice to spend an afternoon on the water with these amazing athletes.) My impression of the paddleboarders I've met is that it is more an individual sport, but no less community-spirited. There's no excuse not to have had eyes on every swimmer out there.

[@tvoyelitsoglupoye2326]

I was a lifeguard as a teenager and as an adult I have preformed 2 swift water rescues in the Arkansas River in the Colorado mountains. I can speak with some knowledge and experience. The lifeguards should have taken the spectator seriously. They should have had the spectator help pinpoint where the man went under. The water should have been cleared. The lifeguards should have begun a deep water search patern involving diving to the bottom or as deep as they go using a V shape from top to bottom and back up. They are suppose to continue this pattern until tired and then switch for a second team while they recover. This goes on until search and rescue shows up with scuba gear. If they find the man and they have enough air they bring him to the surface then to shore or a boat. If they don't have enough air they surface then go back under to get him bringing other lifeguard to help. Being flat-footed, unaware or unwilling to investigate is unacceptable. Only proven life guards should be used for an event like this. Most lifeguards will never have opportunity to perform a rescue. Of those who do, many will freeze, panic or run. Water rescues are very dangerous and drowning people will drown you if it's not done right. For an event like this beach front lifeguards are the best. They all have opportunity to perform rescues. They are in good shape, very skilled, very aware and proven. What that lifeguard did wasn't just lazy, it was cowardice and negligent. They didn't want to believe The spectator because the deep water search pattern is exhausting and very hard. They didn't want to believe The spectator because they were blind stinking scared of the drowning man latching on to them and then they both drown. There are methods that prevent this but it's still very risky. Better to use floatation devices but you can't if they've already gone under. The lifeguards who ignored the spectator should be charged with criminal negligence. It's not just a summer job for teenagers, it's a deadly serious responsibility and only for the brave of heart. I am disgusted.

[@nicolejeanne4834]

Thank you for sharing. This is helpful insight many of us wouldn’t know

[@arbitrage2141]

Honestly… it is criminal negligence. I dont want to see anyone go to prison but a man died because they didnt do there job.

[@bastokrepublic]

It was also probably their ego being hurt - that a spectator would see something that they missed. That attitude is so selfish and in this case got someone killed.

[@neoskhaos]

exactly, I dont think they really were lifeguards :/

[@seamieshame]

I was also a lifeguard on public beaches in Ireland 20 years ago during summer breaks from university. I have performed several rescues due to regular rip tides and dangerous surf on one beach in particular where I worked. Some so called lifeguards I worked with would not get in the water during dangerous conditions, and would raise the alarm for others after seeing someone in danger. It’s not a job for everyone or should not be as you said just a job for kids during summer..

[@vitaly6312]

Since when has CrossFit ever cared about safety or technique? This was inevitable because the sport doesn’t care about its athletes. It cares about money and visibility.

[@rumblefish9]

I mean its the one sport that is associated with rabdo so... safety isn't their top priority.

[@darvoid66]

Never

[@yolandagofigure]

It looks that way doesn't...same with the bodybuilding industry!!!

[@bigrob1344]

I knew that crossfit was about the media and the money when they trashed and fired the founder of crossfit, because of some media backlash, the guy that started the whole thing got booted out of it, it's crazy, they literally don't care.

[@Nhawk316]

EXACTLY, crossfit is not about safety is more like intensity and adrenaline without care.

[@Jaetheeintrovert]

It’s unfortunate yet amazing that Laz’s passing due to negligence is opening people’s eyes to how dangerous CrossFit really is & What’s changes need to be made. So many have criticized CrossFit yet those concerns weren’t addressed.. May Laz rest in peace & changes are made 🤞🏾

[@crossedwires2629]

I have so many issues with Crossfit, and when it comes to things like some of the muscular issues, I usually am all like " i have no sympathy, you chose this" - but THIS???!!! Completely avoidable and inexcusable.

[@rumblefish9]

The amount of people who suffer from rabdo due to crossfit wasn't the red flag?

[@ShaneJay-wx7nu]

Just a shame it had to take that to make people realise.

[@Big_Sploosh]

there's a saying in triathlons: "it's swim-bike-run, not run-bike-drown"

[@TIO540S1]

Ok, but shockingly large numbers of triathletes die every year. This is, by no means, my attempt to excuse Lazar’s death.

[@jsem94]

@@TIO540S1 And it would be even worse if the swim event was last.

[@kd2239]

done a lot of sports in my youth, never done triathlon, but that saying makes a hell of a lot of sense to me. generally athletes are completely depleted near the end of an endurance event. not a good way to be in the water.

[@Crossfitspur]

@@jsem94 is this like saying "Yeah, but I would have been way more sick if I didn't take the vaccine"? Saying the order of events had anything to do with is is an idiotic sentiment. There was for sure some negligence by the safety team. I'll be very interested to find out how he actually died. Given he was one of the strongest swimmers in the field and one of the fittest humans in the world something doesn't add up.

[@_egghead]

​@@TIO540S1 preventable vs. not preventable.

[@crytz1587]

absolutely unbelievable that it took 3 hours for them to send search and rescue. I hope they get everything coming to them, such a tragedy should have never happened

[@TheAtomicSpoon]

Just failures at every stage. It's sad and pathetic. Hopefully there is a reckoning.

[@KyleDotson_VFL]

They got him out in just at an hour. Its nobody’s fault. Its a freak accident. You can’t blame it on anyone. The athletes know the risks and unfortunately that is sports.

[@HillbillyJohnny]

@@KyleDotson_VFL You can absolutely blame the organizers for it. This shouldn't be a dangerous thing for the athletes. They should be able to compete safely without risk of danger for something like that

[@eruiluvatar236]

@@KyleDotson_VFL Dude, there were two lifeguards not paying attention. Even when other athletes were screaming at them and when someone from the public tried to warn them. When someone is drowning you are not meant to act in "just an hour", seconds is ideal, a few minutes at most and that is pushing it.The organizational failures are arguable, heat and swimming after a run can be a know risk accepted by the athletes (Although I don't think they were actually informed of how risky it could be) but incompetent life guards isn't just a freak accident.

[@davidreyes1490]

@@KyleDotson_VFLif it was one of your family members you wouldn’t be saying it was a freak accident they should have taken people serious saying someone is drowning

[@TokyoSwan.]

Criminal neglect seems more of an appropriate title.

[@Paul-ws4yx]

Maybe the lifeguards were trained by the US secret service

[@mickeytollison]

You have zero idea what criminal neglect means. There were 2 lifeguards close to him and they didn’t see him. Criminal neglect would have been having no lifeguards. And even then, a waiver could clear CF.

[@violettefemme21]

@@mickeytollisonHow do you know they were lifeguards? Everyone keeps calling them that. But where were their flotation devices to use in an emergency? How were there only TWO for 80 athletes. The fact that there were two random people sitting on paddle boards within meters of him that didn’t do anything doesn’t prevent negligence. What are the standards for open water events? Did they meet those? If you see images of their past open water events there is a LOT less support on the water. But It’s Texas so that’s honestly the best thing they’ve got going to them to not be criminally responsible. I’m sure there will be civil suits at the very least.

[@danday9697]

​@@mickeytollisonif they had multiple people telling them that someone went under. And they neglect their words. Then how would that not be criminal neglect?

[@aaronbarlow4376]

​@@mickeytollisoncriminal neglect on the part of the lifeguards for being half-assed and not doing their fucking job.

[@dawsonje]

I was a lifeguard from 15-21yrs of age and helped train other lifeguards towards the end of my career. The FIRST thing you learn in spotting early stage drowning (which is super important) is the surprise stage quickly followed by failure to maintain productive swimming motion. The video is too far to identify surprise, but the second stage is clearly visible. This is when the swimmer realized they aren’t making progress any longer and start to fight the water rather than use it productively to propel themselves. It is UNFATHOMABLE that trained professional lifeguards could allow this to happen. The high school deep guards i trained and worked with could have spotted this hazard and corrected it before the final, and tragic stage, which sadly happened here

[@keri4233]

As someone who attends a local crossfit gym, it has seriously made me reconsider my membership. I know that my money each month is going to the owners of the gym, but at the same time being an affiliate, that money is going to a company that has continued to show lack of responsibility for their choices and lack of respect for safety for their athletes. I haven't made a decision as of yet, but like I said, I am definitely considering leaving the sport.

[@beenschmokin]

But you won't because then you can't tell people about crossfit. It's the vegan of sports wannabes. It's a sport like WWE is wrestling.

[@Naomi-gr7fm]

Good thing it's not a real sport

[@thomasmanning477]

​@@beenschmokinEy! Leave vegans out of this! 😅

[@Xainlrd]

Leave it and pursue real olympic weightlifting, and not the garbage that crossfit teaches.

[@CrazyChickenFarmer]

the fact it made you consider and not outright cancel your membership...bro

[@billybob-wx2re]

this has been known in the triathlete community for forever this is why we swim first, always

[@stephenperry9042]

Dave castro switched the order I heard? Is that correct? I've never liked his arrogance and fake tough guy attitude. He should be held partly responsible

[@enloebaby22]

Crossfit has always done run first. Never had an issue. And triathlon is very different with a muchhhhh longer run component and bike component. These people run 5ks in their sleep. And again, lazar was one of the strongest swimmers out there with a water polo background. And completed the workour days before without incident.And 79 people competed the workout without issue. The programming was not what went wrong here. That man, should not have drown. Unless something medical happened to him in that water. Which we cannot blame on crossfit. Can we maybe blame slow response time on them? Sure. But the cause of his drowning wasn't there fault. Athe outcome Maybe but that is not yet known

[@yarnandleaves9378]

​​​@@enloebaby22Never had a problem before??? The story of how Fraser almost drowned is literally in this video. Multiple accounts from adaptive athletes one year in Madison getting into serious trouble. And even this year: Malheiros (who used to do Triathlons) reported seriously struggling due to run-swim order and the hot water. Fuliano was close to pulling out because she was struggling and panicking but couldn't even find lifeguard near her. So certainly not everybody else completed the workout without issue.

[@thezonemtb]

@@enloebaby22 They never had an issue until now and one death is too many. Even short sprint tri's have the swim first and that's for a reason. So yes, the programming is partly to blame. It's not the only contributing factor but it does play a role. Even if it's just a small percentage

[@logomarkz]

​@@enloebaby22dumb organization. Who ever programmed this is an complete idiot. If you go tired swimming, and collapse, you will drown. If you go tired running and collapse, you will prolly be fine.

[@hannahbinish1216]

Thank you for saying what crossfit won't, it was 100% preventable and crossfit failed their athletes.

[@RogueCylon]

Not only will they not say anything. Castro didn’t like what he called the vocal minority speaking out, so he divided the groups into small representatives- 5 for women, 5 for men, 5 for groups. And spoke to them separately to control the narrative. They also took down the feed to limit liability.

[@jgro9]

@@RogueCylon this is false. he divided the athletes and coaches into 4 groups and made each group choose 5 representatives from each group to discuss moving forward. you make it sound like dave chose the representatives, this is false. the athletes and coaches chose their representatives. men, women, team, coaches.

[@joeguzik]

@@RogueCylon CrossFit will be sued into oblivion. The brand will be worth 50 cents and Glassman will buy it back and clean house

[@nocapproductions5471]

Sorry but this is bound to happen. I competed in long distance running years ago and you are so drained you feel like you will pass out but you keep going. Thats the nature of endurance competitions. I never competed in swimming so yeah ots probably much more dangerous because if you pass out in water its game over unless somebody saves you.

[@hilarityhilarious]

Yes, they need to be held accountable. I’m surprised athletes are still willing to compete for the organization and that the games are still happening.

[@PhoenixLayton]

The scary thing about his death is that people are saying he had 10 years experience in the water due to water polo. He was apparently great in the water. He knew what to do if he had a cramp or was struggling. If he was that experienced and still drowned, how many other athletes could this happen in the future if they don’t change things?

[@shirohige291]

Cramp sponsored by Pfiz3er

[@JaelPendragon]

​@@shirohige291go back to school, kiddo

[@dhall75608]

Okay, he also had heart issues in previous competitions. Knowing all of this, don’t you think it may be possible that he may have had some sort of complication during the event that had absolutely nothing to do with what the event activities were? I could be wrong and it could be what it looks like at face value and then of course CF has even more answers to give. But, what if it had nothing to do with the event and had everything to do with something else he had going on and it could have happened in some other event. I am really trying to wait for the entire picture to come out on this before having a full opinion about on this.

[@colecooper5836]

​@@dhall75608the cause of him struggling doesn't really matter much, if it werent for the negligence of those at the event he could have easily been saved whether he was just fatigued or having a medical condition. In the end a bunch of people watched a guy drown and did nothing about it.

[@JJ-zr6fu]

@dhall75608 this doesn’t excuse CrossFit not having the appropriate amount of safety personnel for the event or manning them swim in water that was about the safe temp range. This is a pattern specifically to Dave Castro as well where he put athletes in unsafe conditions. Yes CrossFit is an extreme support but the extreme conditions they were exposed is not apart of it.

[@ssaafur]

Thank you for sharing this. Awful story. I left CrossFit years ago after performing a WOD incorporating hang cleans. I was not executing the movement correctly and even asked the WOD instructor what I was not doing. I followed her lead and blew my rotator cuff on both shoulders. I was too heavy and using bad form. She should have shut me down. There should have been some protocol that said - stop, learn the movement or use another movement for the WOD. I wasn’t competing. It was exercise. That wasn’t employed. It’s now a 12 year injury. This story demonstrates that there’s an ongoing gap in instruction certification and oversight. Hopefully we all learn something. Love your comments at the end. Oddly, I just watched a Stevie Ray Vaughan video - Life Without You. Mid-song, he says something similar about recognizing those around you. It took my breath away. You’re a great human and we lost one too.

[@CyclistChris]

A CrossFit move not being done with correct form and movement? Colour me shocked 😂😂😂😂😂

[@awlhunt]

My sons and I are all surf lifesavers here in Australia, and we regularly volunteer to do water safety for our local triathlon club, other open water swims and competitive surf lifesaving carnivals, and the lack of planning, preparation and vigilance here is simply criminal. We count people in to the water, we count them out of the water, we have powered boats (inflatables), jet skis, boards and spotters on the beach. Our board paddlers are assigned to paddle with the different groups as they leave the beach, and we ensure they are spaced evenly along the conga line as it starts to stretch. The spotter on the beach, gives feedback to the boats/skis to reorganize the board paddlers as the field changes and they move around as required to either fill holes or respond to calls for assistance. If one boat or ski does a pickup, they either keep the athlete in the boat until safe to return them to shore, or they let the other boat know that they are out of service whilst they do it. At the lifesaving carnivals it’s much the same. Water safety will respond within seconds to a call for a missing person and they start the search immediately. Within about 1 minute, a jet ski will likely have dropped a die pack on the position the person was last seen so we can see which way the water is moving. While this is happening, the emergency controller will give the call to clear the water of all athletes and call up the SWR (Shallow Water Rescue) team and task them with how they are to conduct a methodical search. Surf lifesaving learnt its lesson the hard way and won’t ever let it happen again. Hopefully CrossFit does too.

[@JoDo777]

Wow! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@waffle_chair9269]

Aussies are the best when it comes to water!!!

[@TheActualSage]

In my mind crossfit will forever be the organization that almost literally watched one of their athletes drown. I hope that family sues them into another dimension

[@sarah-rubywilliams-ramouta8146]

💯💯💯….

[@petecabrina]

Almost literally? I think you mean literally. I am not sure that crossfit as a whole should be blamed though, it is the completely donkey's on the boards who failed to do the exact thing they were there to do, totally unbelievable really.

[@TheActualSage]

@@petecabrina CrossFit was in charge of the event. Which means they were in charge of hiring the lifeguards and hiring enough lifeguards and made the decision to have them swim in those conditions. It looks like they fucked up all three of those decisions. If you get food poisoning at the restaurant you don't blame the line cook who made your food. It's the organization's responsibility

[@petecabrina]

@@TheActualSage reading more of the comments from triathletes and understanding the temp of the water issue I do agree more of the organisers responsibility. But the life guards being right there and not doing anything is just staggering, it is where most of the blame still is, if they simply responded appropriately it wouldn't have happened. I actually wonder whether they were even life guards or just some random volunteers who were clueless, then it is definitely the responsibility of the organisers.

[@gregd6706]

@@petecabrina "The completely donkey's". I think you mean complete donkey's.

[@JLewis1979]

That was gross incompetence on the part of the lifeguards. There's no excuse to not identify a distressed swimmer at that range. A quick paddle over and him being able to simply grab hold of the board would have saved his life. As a former lifeguard myself, it was a distressing and also infuriating clip to watch. I sincerely hope any lifeguard within view of him that wasn't attempting to either help him or signal to lifeguards more near to him that there was a swimmer in distress, lose their certification. (I would hope they were certified, but the lack of professionalism makes me wonder.) RIP Lazar.

[@RogueCylon]

Five minutes before he took his cap off. That’s a sign of distress. He then changed his stroke multiple times. No one checked. The signs were there for any trained professional lifeguard.

[@barbwickman3077]

@@RogueCylonabsolutely and no cap required🙄

[@barbwickman3077]

And we had to watch it

[@RogueCylon]

@@barbwickman3077 caps were mandatory. The fact he was the only one that took his off part way, was a warning sign.

[@roadstar499]

100 % life guards were not qualified imo...

[@topkek_]

there's a youtube channel called "spot the drowning person", where you can see how lifeguards immediately pick up on drowning signals. it's amazing. having watched only a handful of those videos myself, I can tell from a 1 second clip that the athlete was in trouble. the guys on the paddle boards clearly didn't have the training.

[@daryl9799]

I was into crossfit for about 8 monthd it almost turns into a addiction of ridiculousness. The workouts are just way beyond brutal really glad covid came around it got shut down. Not in a million years would I get back into it. I used to always wonder why people looked at it in a certain way while I was into it but understand it now.

[@Diego-yl2ri]

I don't follow CrossFit (but the algorithm does what it does) but this was gross negligence on the side of CrossFit and the local support. Thank you for highlighting this tragedy.

[@briano_505]

Negligent on the organizers. Who cares if it interrupted the event, do what you need to do to save him!

[@jw70467]

I can't find any info - were they wearing emergency PFDs? Those things are awesome these days, and the slight impediment to swim efficiency is well worth the risk mitigation.

[@rockrun3732]

@@jw70467 No.

[@bodybong]

Wait 87 Celsius water temp? That's 188 degrees. Can't be right

[@cammackk]

87° Fahrenheit is 30° Celsius rough, in swimming 30° is considered hot water and should not be swam in for long periods

[@MikeBarbarossa]

AS an fairly avid swimmer and triathlete , I can tell you 87 water you will be HOT In water, the sweat/evaporation effect is taken away from you, and you are relying on the coolness of the water Swimming at competition is going to generate a lot of body heat and stress too There is also the added bacteria risk in such hot water

[@C_R_O_M________]

That must be water surface temperature. I doubt it was that much a feet or so below the surface.

[@jovialjayou]

We are really grasping at dumb shit to say aren’t we? “Oh that water could be considered hot, so world class athletes shouldn’t swim in it” stfu

[@jgberzerker]

I remember having swim practice in a local pool that was 85F. Our team pool was closed for repairs. It was TOTURE. The equipment manager kept gallon jugs of cold water at each lane so we could dump on our heads in between sets. I cannot imagine trying to swim a race in that.

[@DennisGr]

very, very hot. if i swim distances above 1 kilometer i find anything above 25 degrees to be too hot. 30 is unbearable, unless you have to stand still or teach for hours.

[@blueridgeflyguy9551]

Mitchell, you continue to be one the voices in fitness that I respect the most.

[@Hadria7777]

Thank you for covering this, absolutely heartbreaking 💔

[@GarthaFenryka]

The organisers should be charged with criminal negligence and any athlete that didn't pull out of the entire event is a selfish coward

[@JohnnyChimpo907]

I coached CrossFit for 7 years, but eventually the koolaid wore off and I realized what I was training my athletes to do was take constant unnecessary risks in the pursuit of elite fitness levels. It’s not just this event… It is inherent in the entire model of CrossFit. Seen way too many brutal injuries for stupid reasons, and I just can’t support it anymore.

[@DingasPro]

Sorry you had to endure that. I used to go to a box and quit a few months ago because my left shoulder tweaked during an overhead squat attempt with weight.

[@chrisandersson7853]

Coached myself for about 3 years and i couldn't agree more, the amount of injuries was staggering...

[@RickofEarthTV]

I joined a CrossFit gym back in 2011 when it seemed to be gaining popularity. I was 22 at the time and extremely fit when I began that style of training regime. After 2 years, I had torn 2 disc ligaments in my spine, pars defect in my back, shoulder Injuries. I am 35 now and while I’ve still stayed in great shape my whole life, I have permanent mobility issues and pains from those 2 years of CrossFit. Truly one of the biggest regrets of my life and I’m not knocking anyone who loves it. Just wasn’t for me

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

I saw it after watching about 5 seconds of kipping pull-ups in 2012. It's a joke!

[@ice-xv1hi]

Bingo! Crossfit is overly prone to causing injuries!

[@paddlefitdad]

Crossfit as a company developed a god complex and needs to be humbled. The community has hero worship thinking these amazing athletes super human. I hope this opens everyone's eyes and forces a change to programming and safety measures.

[@martinc4266]

Well done for speaking out. I, sadly, was watching it live and there were plenty of people who pointed out that he was struggling and disappeared. Unbelievable gross negligence on their behalf and the fact they have carried out with the competition, and the way they are acting, reminds me of the film 'Don't Look Up'.

[@Sassyglbeauty]

4:08 that’s absolutely tragic. If I’m the person, I’m throwing a fit and saying, “you don’t understand, someone is down there”. Awful man. I feel for the spectator and everyone. Especially dudes family.

[@sethgilbertson2474]

It's impossible to state how powerful a kind gesture can be! Thanks for putting that out there! ❤

[@user-zt3hg5kc6h]

As a tri athlete and lifeguard for triathlons, I'm so sad to see this. What is the protocol for an emergency? Did they have any open water swim lifeguard experience? Why weren't the lifeguards closer to the athletes, where were their rescue tubes? Why didn't one or both immediately blow their whistle to indicate an emergency? Where was the head safety for the swim? Why didn't one of them paddle over and jump in? I have so many questions!!

[@J_Money1]

as a triathlete, why are they even running BEFORE a swim?? That in itself is a disaster.

[@tetchypoo]

I’ve been the lead paddle boarder for male IM pros for a number of years and I am constantly checking on them. Plus there’s usually a motorboat to the left filming and they have a lifeguard on duty. This is completely bonkers that this occurred and so goddamn preventable. The only thing that I can’t fault paddle boarders for is that we are basically trained to see someone in distress, wave a flag, and blow a whistle, but NOT how to handle a pissed off pro. I’ve led running road races as a lead on the bike and I had a guy go off on me for taking the wrong route for a 10k. He told me to get the fuck away from him, etc., but I stuck with him the whole race. We cross the finish line and he rips me a new asshole, yells at the RD, I cost him his win. A day later, the RD emailed me and told me that I took the correct route, he was wrong, and was banned from any of their events for a couple years for his behavior. I tell the previous story because that was 10+ years ago and I still have a hard time providing any input to pros, especially during a swim. For a run, I can usually give a quick “I’ll be x number of feet in front, unless you want something different, let me know if you want any feedback.” On a swim though, it’s absolutely impossible to communicate. We don’t pick them up until about 100m into the race, so the fear of fucking up their rhythm is strong. I’m not making excuses for the lifeguards, they are trained to get in there and focus on safety, regardless of the athletes feelings. It’s just really really tough. A goddamn shame though, CrossFit is not well known for caring about form or safety, I hope they start making changes.

[@Dodo-rb4zf]

For me was a WAKE UP CALL on how he died SLOWLY waiting for help and no one cared! Then.... people just said "LET'S MOVE ON" and continue the games Just unbelievable

[@derekgoins6547]

Evil

[@thepapschmearmd]

People cared. People were yelling to the lifeguards and tried to get to him and were turned away. The lifeguards didn’t care and clearly the organizers didn’t care.

[@pdb189]

100% agree. So many points of negligence: relying so heavily on volunteers, not enough lifeguards and boats staged along the course, no plan for which lifeguards are responsible for which areas/athletes, no standard operating procedure for what to do if a swimmer appears to be in trouble, no safety meeting, throwing hot and exhausted athletes into an warm open water swim in murky water. Compare that to what's done at triathlons of similar size/importance. They need to clear house and have someone competent take over. This is ridiculous

[@michaelbean4878]

You are wrong, I have many friends who do triathlons and athletes drown with “visibility” often.

[@mattpatt199]

How many of them actually die though? He in Australia we have tri's and ocean swimming etc. Bt it is always so well managed and there are always PLENTY of lifeguards etc​@@michaelbean4878

[@enloebaby22]

Triathlon are a poor example Herr considering 8 people have drowned this year.

[@enloebaby22]

But you are making a WHOLE LOT of assumptions there. You have no clue what the protocols were, whether those we certified or not, what the plan was, what exactly in said plan failed. Because NONE of us know what happened in that water. But I can tell you, it wasn't his ability to complete that event, he did the exact event days prior. So it wasn't the programming, it wasn't the heat, it wasn't exhaustion. Something extreme happened in that water a no one know what. So until the police DO THEIR JOB, and Investigate, take a breath, and stop blaming until we know who to blame, If anyone

[@craigjohnson9605]

@@enloebaby22are you trying to convince people that he couldn’t have been exhausted, just because he had completed the event a few days prior on a test run? That is a pathetic take. What is absolutely certain, is that he should have been seen struggling and he should have been saved. That is the fault of the lifeguards, which is the fault of the person who hired those life guards and planned the specific safety protocols before the event, it is the fault of the organisers of the event and the tournament. This all goes right to the top of the CrossFit tree. Whether or not he had some health scare while he was in the water is IRRELEVANT.

[@thomastennison852]

Thanks for supporting our community. I’m also a huge WSM follower and feel you have definitely taken the torch from Brian as a supremely nice world class athlete that understands how being nice is even more important than being strong. Keep doing what you are doing.

[@adrianpetter699]

As someone who just saw this random video and an athlete myself there is no doubt from the info you gave that the organizers are negligent on so many levels. Whilst we can’t bring him back making this video is an extremely worthy cause to let others know the injustice that’s occurred and also to honor him and respect for his family.

[@xSpecterx99999999]

If that was me that passed away like that, it would mean the world to me to know you spoke out about it. I am sure his family will appreciate this very much.

[@BonFathead]

very strange comment

[@xSpecterx99999999]

@@BonFathead It is a hypothetical statement.

[@StevenReed-o4v]

It wouldn’t have meant anything to you in all fairness cuz you would have no idea

[@yescoblol]

@@BonFathead might be the dumbest one yet yeah

[@dudee499]

Haha!

[@HypetraxxPredator]

Thank you for that! As his brother Luca shared a story saying perfectly - ‘you loved a sport that didn’t love you back’ . There’s Nothing more to be added

[@JoostDamenMusic]

Insane incompetence by lifeguards on duty. As someone who is a member of a lifeguard club I felt insane shame hearing about this.

[@hclaessen]

And Incompetence by then ones who hired these lifeguards, someone should be accountable for the lack of safety.

[@h91rex100]

What about the guy that TURNED AROUND? F that man. If I see a buddy go under and I start swimming to them, I'm not going to to simple stop and turn around and be like cool, just because the lifeguard said stop. Save the guy, then worry about the butt hurt lifeguards afterwards

[@jarlwhiterun7478]

Insane!

[@reformed_attempt_1]

I don't understand why people are not pushing for a prison time for someone here

[@Tiny_Smash]

Thanks for sharing the memories Mitch. You're awesome for taking the time.

[@kohp]

Great video. Horrible circumstances. I appreciate your message, and I will dedicate a smile to Lazar today

[@Roubainx]

Former lifeguard of 5 years here. I agree that it was absolutely preventable. No one should have been swimming in these conditions, and there should have been more lifeguards. I worked a 1 and 2 mile swim on a local lake in late May in 23’. We had about 200 competitors and 13 lifeguards. We had about 15 more volunteers. No one drowned but it was a very stressful time, and these were people who trained for triathlons. Swimming is a different game than running - as said in the video, when you tire in running, you stop. There are dangers sure, but you’re not in water, where minutes under water correlate to brain damage… Unfortunately, lifeguards are underpaid and under-appreciated. I think the org wants to make money and cut costs. Human life is worth more than money…

[@fh2234]

Honestly I see no difference between running and swimming when it comes to stopping. If you are tired running you can still keep going and hurt yourself while doing so and if you are tired swimming you can also stop.

[@PickledAmericano]

​@@fh2234humans can't breathe underwater. If you don't have the energy to keep swimming you go underwater. If you go underwater and can't breathe. You drown. Thats the difference.

[@neoskhaos]

I dont think they really were lifeguards :/

[@bottomtext251]

​@@fh2234 sorry what? You can't just stop swimming?! You need to keep yourself afloat which requires energy.

[@ScotRotum]

​@@fh2234these athletes have muscle so are probably too dense to float and they sink. So no you can't "just stop" without drowning.

[@WestieWestie]

I'm staggered by the lack of attention, the arrogance and negligence that led to this man's totally avoidable death. Horrendous.

[@Jillousa]

I wonder If CrossFit pride in having the most fittest people in the world led to arrogance and negligence

[@dhall75608]

@@WestieWestie I’m staggered by the accusations of what’s coming out before the actual facts get out about what truly happened to him. He did this route before the event day already. He was an experienced polo player for 10 years, a lifeguard, all the things. He knew what to do when struggling. He also had a heart health issue before. There are a lot of things to this that have me wanting to sit back and wait for the investigation and autopsy findings before going off.

[@JJ-zr6fu]

That’s Dave Castro for you an arrogant pos who wants to recreate BUDS every year

[@JohnSmith-h2k]

@@dhall75608 pointing out incompetency isn't an accusation. The purpose of a lifeguard, in this situation, is to save someone from themselves. It isn't to ignore everyone telling you someone is in danger and to do nothing about it.

[@vanillaghetto]

@@dhall75608 Oh okay, when you're struggling out in the water...we'll be sure to tell any attentive lifeguards to wait until the autopsy reports come in before they pick you up on a boat, throw you a flotation device, or even think about doing their job.

[@bigmack70]

Crossfit has been open to criticism forever for failing to prioritize safety e.g. certifying coaches who really aren't qualified, encouraging the execution of super technical lifts to failure, etc. I hope this is a BIG wakeup call to the culture of crossfit as a whole that safety has to be a #1 priority.

[@shonuffLA]

Olympic style lifts to failure, what could go wrong ?

[@bdegrds]

​@@shonuffLAOlympians doing Olympic lifts is in no way the same as Crossfitters doing Olympic lifts, not one has good technique

[@grraf1]

Uncle Rhabdo says: NO !! face it theyr cult/herd like mentality will forever keep them from making the smart choices and instead will come up with ever more stupid&deleterious chain of competition events to demolish themselves with... its like the freaking Nascar races already: every one just comes to see the cars getting wrecked.

[@shonuffLA]

@@bdegrds I agree completely, my comment was mad in Jest. The lifts they expect those guys to do should be practiced for years as they are super technical and in no way done with volume as they do in CrossFit.

[@holdenyoung9017]

Safety is #1 for almost all CrossFit gyms. The taking point that it isnt is just one that internet trolls say regularly to the point that it's become vernacular

[@paintpink7300]

The spectator was either losing his mind when they didn’t help him or gaslit into thinking he didn’t see what he saw. I bet he feels awful thinking if he’d just tried harder. That absolutely breaks my heart. What a tragedy. I know nothing about CrossFit but this athlete sounds like he was an amazing guy.

[@munen-muso]

What you said about how his smiling impacted you: I still vividly remember Marc Lee, the first Navy SEAL killed in Iraq, and how he smiled at me while we were in BUD/S training together. He had a great, friendly and genuine smile that you could see in his eyes. Thankfully, that's a memory I cannot forget. Good message. New Sub💗

[@benitomussolini6293]

I am Serbian and this tragedy really shook many of us here

[@animalscars3799]

Počivaj u Miru Lazare 🕊🇷🇸☦️

[@NotRorygreen]

Sorry for the loss of one of your countrymen. Is swimming a big pastime in Serbia? It’s cold there right?

[@GooNik-l9w]

@@NotRorygreen Serbia, not Siberia. Land locked country on same circle of latitude as Italy.

[@davorzdralo8000]

@@NotRorygreen Serbia is many times world champion in water polo and Lazar used to play the sport. He was an excellent swimmer, he didn't drown because of poor swimming.

[@maherabdu5358]

@@davorzdralo8000 I saw the news it was already obvious that the guy drowning had to come from Serbia. They are just so weak and feebly there. Not as strong in built as their albanian neighbors. Let Allah save you and become strong

[@gfitfitnessstudio]

There’s not a CrossFit box in the world with a pool, much less an ocean. Every year it’s the same concerns, yet every year they have an open water swim event. I will never wrap my head around it. Rest easy, Lazar. 💔❤️

[@Clluthu]

Executive decision based on marketing and numbers.

[@enloebaby22]

In many cases, this could be a potential concern, but it is irrelevant here. Lazar had a 10 year water polo background He was one of the best swimmers out there, in the very front of the pack when this happened. It wasn't his swimming ability or work capacity that caused this tragedy

[@herefortheshrimp1469]

@@enloebaby22That’s not irrelevant but water polo and open water swimming are two different beasts

[@TrappedinSLC]

@@herefortheshrimp1469 In fact his water polo experience may have lead to him being over-confident in his abilities.

[@SMac86]

That's borderline criminal negligence on the lifeguards part. Very sad.

[@tangarz5357]

There’s nothing borderline about it.

[@sloaiza81]

The 'lifeguards' were volunteers. The criminal negligence is on the Organizers.

[@davidso1604]

Thank you for the video. What a disgrace that this happened and knowing the multiple chances that they had to prevent this makes it very hard to comprehend what the competition organisers were really focussed on

[@alexandrastrauss7895]

Thank you SO MUCH for making this video and saying what everyone seems to not want to say directly. I cannot understand the countless comments defending the event, blaming athletes for not being prepared, comparing this to triathlons, begging for swimming to not be stopped, and saying “drowning often goes unnoticed” -- when the livestream and witnesses tell an entirely different story. AGAIN, THANK YOU.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@yorkyfozzy2867]

Thanks for bringing this difficult situation to light Mitch. I doubt many people outside Crossfit would've heard about this if you hadn't. Imagine this had happened at the Olympics in Paris. The world's media would be all over it.

[@jcwat]

It's times like this at OSHA are valuable. Here in New Zealand we have a government workplace health and safety regulator (Work safe) who would lodge a full investigation against the organisers and if was deemed reckless could result in jail time for the organisers. Everyone talks against health and safety regulators until stuff like this happens

[@FancyNickDelatovicELS]

Same here in Australia It’s WILD to me that they might get off easy because of Texas laws

[@emmaslow]

This is part of the tragedy of vested interests gaslighting people with "get rid of red tape" and "bureaucracy gone mad" because it hits their profit margins. Education, education, education - our only hope against those with the financial might & politics in their pockets 😢

[@Thorserb2]

This is such a tragedy. Lazar was a great representative of our Serbian people and our athletes. Mr. Hopper, I've always had great respect for you, and this made it that much more. I agree with all you said. You, my friend, have a fan for life. +Vjecnaja Pamjat, Bog dusu prosti

[@tiffanymckoy2748]

I agree with you Mitchell. Swimming events should not be part of the games. Not many boxes have pools or access to one. So why have an event that you can not even do in a average box. Thanks for speaking up!

[@25janRaven]

Thank you man. That was really heart touching. True words that we hope will be taken in consideration by the CF HQ

[@jeremyhiltz1224]

Ok, I just gotta say a few things to you Mr. Hooper. I have followed your meteoric rise within the strength world and as a fellow Canadian and Ontarian I couldn’t be prouder of your many achievements. That said what really sets you apart imo, is your determination, humility and genuine concern you show all the time. Kudos to you! You are a real champion and a great ambassador for the sport. The fact that you brought this tragedy the attention it deserves regardless of the cost to you is another example of the qualities you continue to display. Impressive, most impressive! I hope someday soon to be able to see you in person at a comp or appearance! Imo, you are exactly what Canadians should strive to be, hell all humans should actually! Awesome stuff, keep it up!!

[@jonl2938]

Negligence. Water safety is no joke. I’ve done triathlons and there’s so many people out in kayaks and paddle boards to assist swimmers in distress. How they only had 2 is beyond me.

[@Pepesilvia267]

Well usually in triathlons you have 200-1000 people in the water not 80. Still I 100% they needed more plus a jet ski rescue setup and local fire/rescue on site.

[@mattpatt199]

100% agree. They just did not think this one through

[@jonl2938]

@@Pepesilvia267 local triathlons in Northern Ontario (Canada) where I live have about 60-80 people (at most) and minimum 10 people in kayaks/paddleboards and typically 2 small boats. 2 lifeguards and nothing else for 80 people is still low.

[@Trikipum]

@@jonl2938 Local crossfits and similar competitions in spain are the same.. A small's coast village might host a similar competition, made for local people, and the organization is literally x10 better than this.. i just dont get it..

[@TrappedinSLC]

@@jonl2938 Yep. Local triathlon on a river had a bunch of kayakers lining the course plus the small boats with the lifeguards. There was basically no where on course where they couldn't get at *least* a float if not a whole kayak to someone quite quickly.

[@t3e_e]

Honouring him means telling hard truths. I haven't gone through the full vid yet but right off the hop I applaud your stance based on what I already know about the context.

[@geoffrobjent6229]

People die in runs and marathons too. It is tragic and I agree the staff messed up, but this is elite level sport. If you arnt comfortable swimming at this level, then don't.

[@whitehawk23]

Thanks brother!!! a beautiful Tribute to a great Athlete.

[@acimlessonslaughingtoenlig3278]

Thank you for this informative and beautiful tribute to Lazar. My heart goes out to everyone involved, including the lifeguards who must feel devastated as well.

[@JPats36]

Loved the video! I don't do crossfit but I follow it and the athletes a whole lot. They are the most in shape people. I've watched so many videos with Lazar in them from Mayhem and Craig Richey. He was a super fit athlete, but more importantly a super nice guy! This is tragic and like you said completely preventable. Something needs to happen!

[@bennwaters5851]

CrossFit Games competitors are not elite athletes. They are elite at working out. Non of them would play Division 1 sports, swimming or track. This delusion that Games athletes can do specialized sports such as open water swimming at a high level is ridiculous. This has been several years in the making. I watched the first lake swim they had in Wisconsin and nearly half the woman drowned swimming 100m.

[@foolishlyfoolhardy6004]

Even that's debatable with all the cheats and celebration of those who get rhabdomyalisis.

[@jimbrown9885]

LOL.

[@dawsonje]

Half the women drowned!?? lol.

[@michag4337]

actually a lot of them were former d1 gymnists/swimmers/runners. and by definition being extremely atheletic makes you an athlete...like they can do athletics far better than the average person. Now being cross fit doesn't make you an elite swimmer, but at that level those people are absolutely elite athletes.

[@nickolaslewis4416]

That’s not true. I know a cross fit competitor who played D1 hockey. Now I’m not a fan of CrossFit but your statement is incorrect.

[@RogueCylon]

Moose, good on you for supporting the athletes and saying what many of us have said. This was gross negligence and a breach of duty. Lazar struggled for five minutes from the time he took off his cap (athletes were mandated to keep them on), and changed strokes - free, back and breast. He had no support. CrossFit clearly did some cost savings, no divers, no paramedics following. The commentators even joked about him removing his cap, then found it amusing that he kept changing his stroke. It was not 45 seconds of distress but five minutes. Criminal and heartbreaking to watch on the live stream.

[@vanillaghetto]

Of course HQ took all video down asap.

[@egades856]

Horrible fate this poor man endured, thank you for sharing his story and bringing light to this atrocious safety violation

[@michellevey9608]

One of the saddest stories l've heard! Thanks for sharing, and bringing awareness to this avoidable tragedy.

[@bruuhhhh]

This is devastating. It may be worth noting at 2:00 and 2:18 the water was 87° Farenheit. 87 celcius would cause serious burns. I don't mean to take away from the video I just think it's a worthwhile distinction

[@DanielaPavlovic-yh5wx]

Don't be dumb!!! It was obviously 87F !! That's 30c

[@StraitjacketFitness]

Thank you for noting this.

[@DavidVirtanen]

Yeah 189°F 💀💀💀💀💀

[@bruuhhhh]

@@DanielaPavlovic-yh5wx I'm not being dumb, he specifically said Celsius. If he had left it ambiguous I agree it wouldn't have been worth commenting on but twice he said 87 Celsius, so I felt it was worth addressing

[@alvinkorus5679]

He also stated the actions taken by CrossFit were completely unavoidable.

[@jtf2dan]

The "Be Kind" principle personified......RIP fellow athlete......you will not be forgotten.

[@mojoejoejoe6706]

This video needs to go viral, very well put!

[@Mrzoux1]

As a lifeguard, the coverage for that aquatic event was grossly insufficient. And these two lifeguards will be criminally sued for negligence, as we lifeguards are responsible for every swimmer in the water.

[@rickfowler5342]

Thanks for posting and shining light on a dark, sad situation

[@coachandreesteves6746]

I 100% agree, I was a competitor of open water swimming for several years and even between us you could see some struggle but the event was always safe on that matter, crossfitters was asked to do the same as a specialist

[@fitnesslifecoachnino8132]

Hi Mitchell, I just watched your video about the tragic loss of the young athlete at this year's CrossFit Games during the swimming event. It's heartbreaking to hear that better actions from the lifeguards could have made a difference. What really struck me was how you chose to remember him - by the simple yet powerful act of him always giving you a smile. Your message of 'Lift Heavy and Be Kind' resonates even more deeply in this context. It's a reminder that no matter what, spreading positivity and kindness can leave a lasting impact. Thank you for sharing this important message with us.

[@unluckygamer692]

what is this chatGPT comment

[@braisedtoast9002]

Dead Internet is here

[@kevintodd8885]

Mitchell, thanks so much for using your platform to make this public. Its been super irritating to see crossfit talk about this like some random tragedy and not a completely avoidable sequence of poor decision making on their part. Some points that have made me fuming from step one: Lazar was a water polo player so he was probably reasonably comfortable and capable in the water, why didnt each of these athletes have a heart rate monitor/ gps tracker to help locate them in the water and communicate signs of possible distress. How did a bystander see what was going on and the "life guards" (likely volunteers and paddle board hobbyest) totally miss it. I would love to see the professional credentials of the water safety crew and an explanation on how they missed this when ao many others did not. How in the world did they approve a swim after a run. If triathletes arent doing it, it may be for a reason. 2 lifeguards for however many athletes is a farce of a safety plan, no other boats or personal close to the water if the event they needed more help quickly. Yes this is a tragedy but someone needs to be taken to court for it because it was neglect plain and simple.

[@vanillaghetto]

800 mile swim, 79 men and women. Lazar was a high level water polo player for 8 years, as well as a lifeguard. He came in second (of 40) in the other Games open water swim that he competed in. CrossFit has not used the d-word (drown) even once. They are all about using distancing words, though.

[@ames522]

"a farce of a safety plan" so accurate

[@hartzogLovesScience]

This is sad. Thank you for sharing. I think I will share this with my high school Biology and Physiology students to get them to think of the parameters around competition.

[@elisabeth4342]

@1:45: "It was near 100 degrees in Texas at the time.." Even world class athletes can die from heat stroke. Maybe he had an undiagnosed cardiac condition?? Was he anemic - below the normal range in red blood cell count threshold?? That will quickly tire someone out - even experienced competitive athletes. I hope the right people will look into this. This young man's death was completely preventable. This is disgusting. My condolences to this man's loved ones and fellow teammates/competitors.

[@morganmartin9286]

At the gym/pool I go to there are at least 6 lifeguards around the small pool for the aquasize class in chest deep water. The level of negligence from the CrossFit competition is nothing less than criminal and I hope it's treated that way.

[@stuffbenlikes]

Run before swim is dumb and the lifeguards were definitely fanboying watching Tia. And that people were saying "Hey something's happening" and no one did anything... Messed up. The brand is also going to take a huge hit, will it survive? Will there be another Crossfit Games? I'd say those are very open questions.

[@ryansalwaysright]

If it survives swimming will be dropped. Froning talked about it being the event where he struggled the most

[@vanillaghetto]

@@ryansalwaysright And he got a swim coach and started swimming, and then he didn't "struggle". Swimming can be done in (large) pools, and with actual lifeguards. I was at the Games pool swim even in 2020. No one drown.

[@logomarkz]

​@@vanillaghettoswimming should be done first. Not last like here. You go tired into a water, something goes bad, and you drown.

[@vanillaghetto]

@@logomarkz A) I never said it shouldn'''t. and B) In a pool with actual lifeguards, you don't "drown".

[@impressivestory]

Thank you for speaking out on this, so deeply sad.

[@allisonfalin8854]

We have ALWAYS had people on course in the water paddle boarding or kayaking as lifeguards in triathlon and distance swimming to help people struggling. I backstroked my first tri after a panic attack and was immediately met by a lifeguard asking if I was ok about 10 strokes into my backstroke adventure. I finished ok,but I was grateful someone was present in case.

[@gregoryf9299]

I couldn’t listen past 4:33. To hear such gross negligence, such extreme incompetence at a large-scale sporting event is simply criminal. Every one of the organizers should be held criminally responsible for Lazars death. RIP Lazar, I’m sorry so many failed you that day…

[@evilstorm5954]

I stopped at the same time. The other “competitor” is a scumbag.

[@WhiteDevilU91]

Mitchell Hooper is quickly becoming one of my favorite content creators

[@SOI-wl2lo]

Mine too

[@TheAxlepup]

You guys are tools. This Dudley do right gimmick he has is getting a little nauseating.

[@JohnSmith-h2k]

@@TheAxlepup You're a delusional loser, calling this a gimmick when someone has died is a pure dirt bag play.

[@bobvanka]

@@TheAxlepup Go back to watching Joe Rogan bud

[@plutoburn]

2:18 Definitely not 87 degrees celcius, that's hot coffee temperature. Fahrenheit I'm sure.

[@102JSmith]

Yea…that’s 185 degrees Fahrenheit

[@vsupreme9386]

100 Celsius = 212 F

[@zer0x64]

I mean its common sense he meant °F but he also corrected himself in the pinned comment

[@fh2234]

Obviously.

[@tomweather8887]

For real, we use 82°c water at work to sterilize stuff.

[@s34nvideos]

I ran a 10K in Phoenix with 3 peaks running at a local park. I was at the front of the race,.but the volunteers who guided the runners at junctions were on their phones and not paying attention, so they didn't give me a signal to turn, so I carried on running. It was well over 100 degrees. I had to use dirty stagnant river water to stay cool until the ambulance arrived. It was an old lady walker who found me in the end. The race organizers totally ignored my emails and calls after the race. I'm still really mad about that 7 years later,.it was my last race with them

[@anonymous-t4g9r]

Which race

[@irishphilly]

Thank you for this difficult vid. Primary is reflecting on Lazar Dukic & just thinking of him. This situation of events (or at a school, campus, workplace job, etc etc) held with minimal Experienced, Skilled Support Staff, is becoming SO Typical. There have GOT to be PEOPLE IN CHARGE and ACCOUNTABLE. I feel for the people helpless to get attention to Dukic. A monitor on a paddle board in a race competition---behaving like a rookie at a motel pool annoyed by toddlers---IF someone is yelling DANGER/DROWNING, and pointing?? LISTEN + DO SOMETHING. Unbelievable. Water is seriously misunderstood & miscalculated.

[@monicamestas7566]

WTH?!? Horrific and completely uncalled for. Lifeguards... how could they not see... even after being told?!? I hope Lazar's loved ones sue the hell out of all responsible. Thank you, Mitchell, for your honest and respectful presentation of this tragic tale. You use the word "unforgivable," which sums it up. Terribly sad. Hopefully positive change will come from this devastating loss.

[@odysseusnissan]

Thanks for sharing and being open, Mitch! There are way too many travesties here behind his death. First, the conditions. 2. running before the swim. 3. The incompetent lifeguards. 4. The athlete that was supposedly yelling next to him(why would he leave him?). 5. Security stopping the bystander from helping and/or sending official help. This is worse than incompetence. It's disgusting! I got swept out in a rip current rescuing my 75 lb dog. I sent someone for help before I went after him. I used all of energy to get to him and he was going under as I grabbed him. So we just floated out past all the waves and past the pier(as I waved for help). Help didn't come so I swam against the rip current for a hard 5 minutes, took a break and went back out to sea. Swam a little harder for 5 minutes, took a break and went out to sea again. Meanwhile I'm bleeding from my dog scratching me up and I'm nervous I'll get a cramp and have to watch my dog die. So I'm thinking of swimming parallel to to the beach(like you're supposed to in a rip) but the jetty looks really rough and dangerous. So I swim hard and steady for 15 minutes against the current and body surf(actually fun and surreal at that point) into shore with my dog just staring at me in total exhaustion. I crawl up to shore and collapse on the ground. The guy I sent for help tells me the lifeguards had attitude and said it was my fault my dog got caught in the riptide. They walked over smiling and one of em said I'm a better swimmer than I look and he lost a $10 bet. I asked him if they saw me waving for help. They laughed and said they didn't want to come out unless I was drowning. All I wanted to do was punch the POS in the balls but I had no energy. But I ignored my anger and just celebrated I saved my best friend. But the poinjt of my story is to say that if you get tired while swimming...you can still hopefully float on your back or tread water(not die) and you shouldn't be in the water if you don't have those skills.

[@SuperCaleb87]

The athlete that was supposedly next to him yelling for help wasn’t actually in the water he was a spectator. Trying to save someone in the water can be very dangerous if you haven’t been trained how but I still can’t believe a few of the people screaming for the “lifeguards” didn’t jump in and try and help. I put lifeguards in “” because I’m pretty sure they were just volunteers so were pretty much just there to watch the games for free not there to work and who knows if they were even trained lifeguards.

[@odysseusnissan]

@@SuperCaleb87 You’re probably right about the “lifeguards”(fans/friends) not being properly trained. That’s going to have to be addressed. They need to have sufficient EMT and lifeguard presence. Maybe these lifeguards were off duty Secret Service agents and just didn’t know how to respond to the yelling. Joking but not being funny. Pitiful.

[@SuperCaleb87]

For something trying to be a professional sport the whole games just seems so amateur. Relying so much on volunteers instead of paid staff sounds like my son’s soccer games not a professional sport. No actually the referees at my son’s games actually get paid.

[@bennunyour4121]

It's a horrible tragedy and CrossFit is definitely to blame and there should definitely be a lawsuit filed by his family. Praying for his family and friends 🙏

[@barryweems6385]

Absolutely tragic that this happened and the CrossFit people should be held accountable

[@kapner2104]

Thank you for shedding light on an important topic

[@jockeyjack3367]

I am so glad you brought this up. Unfortunately it takes a tragedy for someone to finally change things. ❤

[@explained4242]

I'm a big CrossFitter. 6 years now. This death was nauseatingly tragic and sad and totally preventable. Dave Castro, who organized the WOD, failed miserably. Complete failure and someone died because of it. They should feel bad about it. Really bad about it. It sucks that someone had to die to get programming changed and more closely monitored. RIP Laz.

[@Trikipum]

This is a shame... In spain, ive seen very small local competitions that have had a much better organization than this "world class" event....

[@XeenimChoorch-nx8wx]

Yeah but it fits CrossFit culture perfectly

[@joshw3010]

I feel like Dave Castro has been trying to get someone killed for years.

[@natevanderw]

​@@XeenimChoorch-nx8wx and here lies the problem.

[@jjsenior11]

How they can even be called "lifeguards" is incredibly generous.

[@tilmanrotationalinvariant2257]

"WatchYouDieGuards"

[@Queueued]

Nobody expects people competing in a swimming event to drown. Unless you're a very competent swimmer, don't bother competing in these silly events if you don't know how to manage an extreme fatigue situation by yourself in deep water.

[@tilmanrotationalinvariant2257]

@@Queueued Ok, we all pray that the responsible lifeguards can sleep soundly tonight🙏

[@jamaanders1817]

Thanks for putting something out. As a 14yr affiliate owner, it's really not acceptable to see the safety procedures. Lazar was a water polo player. He was competent in the water but safety should have been on point. Ridiculous truly that water safety wasnt first priority. HOWEVER, the community is rallying together . We suffer together we push together.

[@thedadvocate]

Educational and heartfelt from stem to stern, great video