Thursday, August 20, 2026

CrossFit Athlete Dies in Texas Swimming Competition 

  • Lazar Đukić, a 28-year-old Serbian, was confirmed dead by authorities.
  • Competition was halted after the Thursday drowning.
Jon Lemoine-USA TODAY Sports

An athlete at the CrossFit Games died in a Texas lake Thursday, leading to the cancellation of the rest of the day’s scheduled events. 

Authorities responded to a possible drowning call early Thursday morning.

In a statement, the CrossFit Games confirmed the death and said it’s fully cooperating with authorities, but it didn’t release the name of the athlete. 

The athlete was Lazar Đukić, a 28-year-old Serbian, according to the Star-Telegram.

Video shows Đukić disappearing under the water during the 800-meter swim in Fort Worth’s Marine Creek Lake.

Authorities were called around 8 a.m. about a “participant in the water” who “hadn’t been seen in some time,” they said at a press conference Thursday. Đukić was later found and declared dead at the scene.

Don Faul, the CEO of CrossFit, said during a press briefing that the death has him “gutted.” 

Đukić, an established competitor on the circuit, said before the event that his goal was to finish on the podium. The event was scheduled to continue through Thursday.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Aug 15, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) passes the ball againnst the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images

NFL Network’s Initial ESPN Preseason Ratings Rise 3%

Rams-Chiefs averaged a Week 1-high 2.38 million viewers.
Sep 6, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; A general view of the women’s singles final between Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus and Amanda Anisimova of the United States at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

US Open Sets Record With $108M in Total Prize Money

The prize purse is 20% higher than last year.
Emory Eagles guard Ben Pearce (10) passes around Mary Washington Eagles forward Jay Randall (11) on Sunday, April 5, 2026, during the NCAA DIII men's basketball championship game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

Division III Basketball Star Sues NCAA for 5th Year of Eligibility

If the case is successful, thousands more NCAA athletes could receive eligibility.
First at FOS

NFL Isn’t Happy With Nielsen’s Latest Changes

The league is amplifying efforts to work with other audience-measurement firms.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

8/20/26 -McAfee Joins ESPN’s ‘MNC,’ Walter’s $17B Problem, Bueckers-Fudd Go Public

0:00

Featured Today

Trendy Golf Hat Divide Is More Than a Fashion Fight

As golf has gotten trendier, so has the sport’s style.
Joey Spallina of the Maryland Whipsnakes
August 6, 2026

How Eye Black Became ‘War Paint’ on the Field

“You’re going into battle, doing something you only do on game days.”
August 6, 2026

Tom Brady Explains His Aggressive Push Into Trading Cards

Brady talked to FOS about his eponymous card company.
FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Indian Premier League - IPL - Mumbai Indians v Chennai Super Kings - Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, India - April 23, 2026 Mumbai Indians' Suryakumar Yadav in action
August 5, 2026

India Is Stealing Cricket’s Throne From England and Australia

India’s insatiable appetite for cricket has shifted the traditional locus of power.
WPBL
July 30, 2026

Who’s Playing Women’s Professional Baseball?

Sixty players from 11 countries are descending on Illinois for six weeks.

Ogwumike to Play in Project B Despite WNBA Retirement

She will still play for Project B, the new global basketball league.
August 17, 2026

Teams, Brands Troll Jayden Daniels After LSU Controversy

Daniels sent a cease-and-desist letter after LSU gave away his No. 5.
August 18, 2026

LeBron Quickly Ascending Golf Content-Creator Ranks

The NBA star started playing golf only last year.
Sponsored

Saints Great Turns to Ownership

Marques Colston discusses his Champions Fund launch and finding success after football.
Exclusive
August 17, 2026

Vote Coming to Ease Tennis Stars’ Schedules

The vote will likely take place during the US Open.
August 16, 2026

Scheffler Passes McIlroy, Pulls Behind Woods in Total Earnings

He can break Woods’s record at the BMW Championship in St. Louis.
First at FOS
August 13, 2026

Final Year of Brandon Clarke’s NBA Contract Voided After Death

Clarke died in May in Los Angeles. 
Terrell Owens
August 13, 2026

Terrell Owens on Losing His Fortune: ‘Money Was Just Missing’

Owens says he eventually hired forensic accountants after discovering missing money.