A CrossFit Games Unlike Any Other

The 2024 CrossFit Games were tragic. The sport lost one of the best athletes it has ever seen. Lazar Ðukić drowned during the first event, for reasons still unknown or not fully disclosed. The community was rocked and is still in disbelief.
As with every decision faced after that moment, this video was made with uncertainty. Sometimes saying nothing is the right thing, sometimes hearing someone’s perspective can be the right thing for someone else. I’m hopeful that being able to hear about the experience from the perspective of one of the athletes that was amidst it all will provide some clarity and understanding.
Regardless, Lazar deserves praise, respect, and to be remember for the amazing human that he was.
If you’d like to make a donation to help support his family through this unimaginably tough time, here’s the gofundme link:
gofund.me/5692...

[@chayeclass]

I hope no footage from the feed will ever be shared. I was watching live and still can’t get it off my mind every time I see any mention of Lazar. The montage at the end of this video was short and sweet. Thank you for sharing this! Most of Lazar’s digital footprint was of him smiling, laughing and giving his all to the sport. Lazar was definitely one of the reasons why my family and I watch the games every year.

[@janinewasson4216]

I am sorry for the loss of your friend. What amazed me about the athletes that completed how through your grief you still smiled and took photos with fans. I appreciate your thoughtful description of your perspective.

[@ChetLeeKowalski]

Lazar is the best

[@artmccann6929]

Thank you for putting your heart out there. I'm sorry you all had to go through this. God bless Lazar and his family.

[@gabrielgarcia8213]

Thank you for sharing your point of view

[@willal.4694]

I don't understand why so many people feel the need to make negative and judgmental comments. We weren't there. We don't actually know what all these athletes are really feeling. I think everyone in the cf community needs to have more grace especially for the athletes. The organization needs to be held accountable but the athletes need our grace and compassion for what they went through. I'm sick of seeing so many people judge the athletes. Thanks for sharing Noah.

[@liammcelwee6668]

There needed to be more in this….. I would have loved to see full transparency and areas that you missed out that were important and the decision-making process and of course all they talk about you and your team with the one minute of silence before competing

[@ClockCutter]

The answer is, No. Noah does not discuss the one minute delay at all, nor the reports that he tried to get the time back. Content-wise, there's little here. He doesn't say much about the initial athlete meeting. He does say "it didn't feel right" to compete and says every time he took the floor, "it felt wrong". Tho, what this means is mysterious, given he kept taking the floor.

[@HeatherChavez-zi3yw]

Thanks for doing the hard work for me!

[@ClockCutter]

@@HeatherChavez-zi3yw You're welcome. It wasn't easy.

[@paulopinho4680]

Thank you. I came to this video to see if he would address what Marco said about it.

[@NoahOhlsen]

Happy to address that here, in short form. We were told by CrossFit before we took the floor for the first workout that they would do everything in their power to credit the teams that chose to pause for a moment of silence. Afterward, because not all teams were a part of that discussion, they said they’d follow through on it if it was a unanimous desire of all teams. Knowing that it was a tough split seconds decision for some teams to have made right before taking the floor amidst everything else going on, I chose to spearhead trying to make it happen with a survey to see if all teams agreed.

[@mollystewart8812]

@@NoahOhlsenwhat was the point of taking the minute then if you were going to ask for it back? Seems disingenuous.

[@ARKADIES40]

Noah “In the Name of Safety” Ohlsen

[@therealchoco_]

I’m waiting for Noah to talk about the one minute they were trying to get back.

[@joshuapeay7690]

Barely started the video, and you speak as to how hot it was and how CrossFit needs to change but you never spoke up prior too everyone needs to be more active than reactive and just change

[@lindseymcknight4879]

It shows how caring you are to have gone back to the Lake and just be there. Shows support for lazars friends and family and the respect u had for him 💜

[@srplay1748]

Thank you Noah❤ Love and prayers to the Dukic family and friends.

[@damitriasmith5747]

Thank you for this and he was amazing athlete and he will always be in our hearts.

[@DenseUpdates]

Lazar used a pattern of freestyle and breast stroke throughout the entire race. He appeared to be in control a majority of the swim. I was there watching from the hill by the college & until about half way through the race when I walked down to the Team start line. I also have the live feed recorded. It is not until the final Roka buoy that he appears to begin struggling. It is extremely difficult to watch but it’s also very necessary so that those organizing these type of events are able to understand and can be better prepared to prevent it from happening again in the future.

[@DevHazy]

Justin was raw. This seems really contrived and like trying to copy Justin’s

[@ContempoHealth]

There are many ways of grieving. I can’t imagine what all of the athletes felt. Some people don’t understand that your livelihoods and years of training are on the line despite a horrific tragedy. The reality is there isn’t a correct answer. This was probably nothing short of a horrific nightmare for most people there. Do your grieving and take your time.

[@GameHub4u-t6m]

i've never seen noah cry before but God bless you man and give you peace

[@jay_fresh]

The purpose of this video is for views and you to try and make yourself feel better. This is not a tribute, it's your story and you not addressing what you know has been told that you tried to get the minute back that you guys stood there for the first workout. You alone said you were uncomfortable but then said if anyone was uncomfortable you whole team wouldn't compete. I hope people see what it shows when you wanted your minute back. Absolute disgrace. "Every single time we took the floor, it felt wrong". Then why do it, bc you were in it for the competition still, don't pretend it is something it isn't. "I want to be part of the process", yeah I bet you do so you can continue to personally benefit off the sport like you have for years.

[@liveitloveitlife]

Noah, that was an honorable thing to do and a lovely tribute to someone who clearly had a positive impact on all athletes. Such a terrible tragedy. God bless Lazar and thankyou for sharing an athletes side.

[@fabioiovane9189]

Great speech Noah. So touching!

[@m3diocregaming543]

It’s a shame, thank you for speaking about it!

[@morimo11]

There is no reason to watch the feed. God bless you Noah for making this.

[@JRNorCal]

Making what? This literally didn’t say anything of value at all

[@msdeefit]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I think it was unfair for you all to be put in a situation where you may have felt uncomfortable. I think the games should've been postponed. 💔

[@SaberkiddASMR]

Agreed

[@BarryMcCockinerEsq]

Why did Lena try to stir up drama by confronting teams that didn’t take the minute?

[@laurenmorreale2358]

"try to stir up drama"? I hope you stretched before jumping to that conclusion. Feeling passionate about something and expressing disappointment to others if they didn't take the minute is not stirring up drama. It's just feeling human.

[@BarryMcCockinerEsq]

@@laurenmorreale2358 yes, why don’t you watch Marco’s video before replying

[@laurenmorreale2358]

Already watched it. What's your point? ​@@BarryMcCockinerEsq

[@ashanfernando100]

@@laurenmorreale2358 so asking minute back also she being passionate ? what a load of crap

[@Quadslikero]

@@laurenmorreale2358in those instances if someone doesn’t want to take a “stand” you respect their decision. And let them be. You don’t bully them to do what they’re doing.

[@alex23011]

[@user-pf8xo6ic1j]

The 3 minute preamble with the sad music comes across as contrived and inauthentic. Before you talk about this situation you have to wrap yourself in ten protective layers of "I hope this doesn't cause any emotional distress" , "this might be triggering" , "the intention of this video is" , "this is to respect his family".

[@Jason-ne4lt]

He just spent 35 min trying to convince the world why he still competed.

[@paulwalters7984]

Thank you Noah, for sharing your thoughts and feelings. I can’t imagine how difficult this must have been, and still must be, for you and all of the athletes. I am so sorry that you have lost your friend. Such a tragic, awful loss and just so unnecessary. To a few people who are sharing critical, and in some cases quite scathing opinions in some of the comments, please think before typing, and then revert to being kind! None of us can begin to imagine what the athletes have been through, compassion, support and some kind, understanding words may help…. Unfair criticism and “opinions” from your sofa will do the opposite.

[@BarryMcCockinerEsq]

Also explain why Annette Reavis canned the idea of having a longer tribute for Lazar that Friday morning

[@DavidWied]

How would he know ?? You should worry more about your low T-count dude😂

[@BarryMcCockinerEsq]

@@DavidWied cause the athletes knew, it’s not rocket science lol

[@iammstarr]

​@@DavidWiednew here? 🤡

[@erickuehnen]

Tried to get your points back after you took a knee for a minute? Saw that coming.

[@o.d.kay633]

Some people just love a camera and microphone on them at all times.

[@GameHub4u-t6m]

Cmon man really? You have to be this mean to someone who just lost a good friend

[@jay_fresh]

@@GameHub4u-t6m lol good friend is a stretch

[@swat486]

Here to give a Minute delay for Mayhem.

[@lakota_stu]

Virtue signalling at its finest.

[@highheartwellness]

Appreciate you taking the time to open up about the loss of your friend and for sharing your perspective of how the weekend played out. ETA: reading the comments, it's real creepy seeing the bots come in to say negative things about this video

[@laurenmorreale2358]

Underwhelming is a generous adjective. The tribute was embarrassing. I was appalled. I was standing behind Luca and Anja during the tribute and they both looked very unhappy about it.

[@GameHub4u-t6m]

Noah don’t mind the useless bigots in the comments. Know that this was not your fault and that we love you no matter what. Some people place blame where it doesn’t belong but know that you caring for the lost athlete is all we need thank you ❤

[@dannyl3858]

Noah doesn't address any of the pertinent issues. He said it was wrong to participate, but he still did. Go figure

[@imthehbic]

This is a bit unfair. The athletes were put in an impossible position. Aren’t people allowed to change their mind? Isn’t this a behavior to celebrate? I am also not surprised someone or some people are outwardly stating it was wrong. People are allowed to have regrets and change their mind.

[@pauldesmond2470]

Take a look in the mirror. Let us all know when you have all the answers to life. We will wait. Do you feel good about this comment? Pathetic.

[@dannyl3858]

@imthehbic Bullying the other teams into doing the 1 minute delay then demanding crossfit adjust their times is super hypocritical. Noah says he felt competing was wrong yet he's worried about adjusting their times which would've conveniently moved them into podium standing. It's not a good look not to address these issues.

[@dannyl3858]

@pauldesmond2470 If I was as conflicted as Noah, I would have simple dropped out. No point in competing with that headspace. However people die at almost every ironman race and the show goes on. It's not a sign of disrespect, but that the business must move forward.

[@pauldesmond2470]

@@dannyl3858 Have you ever been in his shoes? If you have, I fully respect your perspective. If not, yeah, you have no idea what they went through. Don’t try to play like you’d have done XYZ. Not cool.

[@markjanzen7228]

Minute 26 "if at any point it felt wrong, we would stop (competing)". Minute 29 "I just want to reiterate, every single time we took the floor it felt wrong". Hmmm....

[@puravidaot]

When a life is lost, nothing, emotionally especially makes sense. The longer you live and experience death inevitably, you'll understand now confusing everything can feel and be

[@KarinaRain]

@@puravidaot100000%

[@markjanzen7228]

@@puravidaot It is not about being confused, it is about his character. He says one thing in public but does another in private. He says if it feels wrong, he will step away, but then later he says it felt wrong every time, but he never stepped away from competition. His actions and words do not match. He tries to virtue signal. Also, sacrificed a minute to "honor" Lazar at the beginning of the first event, then asks for the minute back later in a private email. Lazar sacrificed his life, and he can't sacrifice a minute? He did it publicly to virtue signal, then privately he shows that it was more important for them to have a better score.

[@allamandocyou]

Love ya NoNo!

[@DavidWied]

Dave and CrossFit failed bad #Lazar24

[@石立雅]

Young Kimberly Brown Timothy Walker Frank

[@DMS1010]

If true, why did you ask for the minute back? If true I find this abhorrent.

[@NoahOhlsen]

As I mentioned in a comment above, we were told by CrossFit before we took the floor for the first workout that they would do everything in their power not to penalize the teams that chose to pause for a moment of silence. Afterward, because not all teams were a part of that discussion, they said they’d follow through on it if it was agreed upon all teams. I sent a survey in an attempt to assist with the process. I understand why that could be upsetting.

[@DMS1010]

@@NoahOhlsenthank you for responding. I see your point. I just feel differently. Regardless, I am certain you loved Lazar. It must have been very difficult dealing with this in real time. Unfortunately Lazar was failed. Complete and utter negligence.

[@raedene3]

It's amazing that certain camps of people are judging the athletes harder in a shitty situation. Also, reading between the lines of all who shared, you can tell that CF has an integrity issue. And athletes are just there to perform and shut up. To me, it's abhorrent that CF wouldn't give the athletes back the stupid minute considering it doesn't give them any advantage. Especially understanding that it is a trauma situation where they're requiring them to participate primarily for the business side of things NOT the athletes safety and mental health. That's what's abhorrent. To make them advocate for something so stupid and petty as a minute. Now everyone is coming for Noah for taking the lead on this issue for all the athletes. So misguided.

[@kevinmitchell8056]

Why even take the minute as a "moment of silence". That was already taken by all athletes on the floor during the tribute on Friday morning

[@colin6192]

I despise how many CrossFit people have shifted blame to the athletes and their actions and want to criticize how they acted in a difficult situation. Were you Lazar’s friend? Did you know him? Noah did… The blame is squarely on CrossFit, but there are a few vocal “influencers” shifting attention away from that to preserve their superiority complex and protect the boys club. Don’t let those few distract you from the main tragedy here. Noah sending out a survey, right or wrong is of little consequence and I have no reason to believe it wasn’t done with good intentions based on his history of good sportsmanship.

[@MichaelMLaurenti]

Unfortunately, he still took the floor on every event. He should probably take this video down. Definitely not a wise decision on his part.

[@ColeridgeAngelo]

541 Linnie Island

[@Feeby06]

I hear you...but actions speak louder than words...Why did you want the minute back...Are you aware it like erased quite everything of what you tried to get across here? Just wondering....

[@cjd959]

Revelation 21:3,4

[@Aznl2yan]

Noah your so fake dude.

[@meirionwilliams8036]

Just comes across as scripted , contrived and fake.

[@ryanlarochelle7089]

Triggering, emotional distress... My goodness man. There is truth and not truth. You pander way to much.