PFAA CALLS FOR DAVE CASTRO'S REMOVAL
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During the 2024 CrossFit Games, a tragic event occurred resulting in the death of Serbian athlete Lazar Đukić. 28-year-old Đukić drowned during the first event of the Games, which consisted of a 3.5-mile run followed by an 800-meter swim at Marine Creek Lake in Fort Worth, Texas. He was seen struggling in the water about 50 meters from the finish line and eventually drowned. This incident led to the suspension of the day’s events, which were later resumed following consultations with his family and fellow athletes.
This tragic event has sparked significant discussions in the CrossFit community about safety protocols, and an investigation has been launched to review the circumstances surrounding her death. CrossFit is committed to being transparent throughout this process and plans to implement necessary changes based on the findings of the investigation.
For the moment, the PFAA, the entity that he represents, has made the following statement:
The PFAA represents the interests of athletes competing in the CrossFit Games season. The sport is built on the principle that athletes don't know all the details of the events they're competing in, but we always assumed that if something went wrong, they would bail us out. We were wrong.
1
We demand an appropriate level of transparency between CrossFit and the PFAA regarding their third-party investigation into the death of Lazar Ukic and the subsequent changes made to protect all athletes moving forward.
2
We demand that CrossFit create an independent safety team to liaise with the PFAA on an ongoing basis.
3
We demand that Dave Castro be removed from his position on the sports team.
These demands reflect the immediate steps needed to begin to restore athlete confidence in the sport of CrossFit. The PFAA is also keenly aware that more must be done to change the culture and strategic direction of the sport to ensure its future, and that will take time.
Signed by the PFAA Board: Annie Thorisdottir, Brent Fikowski, Dina Swift, Fee Saghafi, Leeverne Engelbrecht, Patrick Vellner, Royce Dunne, Victoria Campos.
Translated from the message posted by the PFAA
The PFAA represents the interests of athletes competing in the CrossFit Games season. The sport is built on the principle that athletes do not know all of the details of the events they participate in, but we always assumed if something went wrong they would save us. We were wrong.
1
We demand an appropriate level of transparency between CrossFit and the
PFAA regarding their 3rd party investigation as to the death of Lazar ukic and subsequent changes made to protect all athletes going forward.
2
We demand CrossFit create an independent safety team to liaise with the
PFAA on an ongoing basis.
3
We demand that Dave Castro be removed from his position in the Sport Team.
These demands reflect the immediate steps necessary to begin to restore athlete confidence in CrossFit Sport. The PFAA is also acutely aware that more must be done to change the culture and strategic direction of this sport to ensure its future and that will take time.
Signed The PFAA Board - Anníe Thorisdottir, Brent Fikowski, Dina Swift, Fee Saghafi, Leeverne Engelbrecht, Patrick Vellner, Royce Dunne, Victoria Campos
This tragic event has sparked significant discussions in the CrossFit community about safety protocols, and an investigation has been launched to review the circumstances surrounding her death. CrossFit is committed to being transparent throughout this process and plans to implement necessary changes based on the findings of the investigation.
For the moment, the PFAA, the entity that he represents, has made the following statement:
The PFAA represents the interests of athletes competing in the CrossFit Games season. The sport is built on the principle that athletes don't know all the details of the events they're competing in, but we always assumed that if something went wrong, they would bail us out. We were wrong.
1
We demand an appropriate level of transparency between CrossFit and the PFAA regarding their third-party investigation into the death of Lazar Ukic and the subsequent changes made to protect all athletes moving forward.
2
We demand that CrossFit create an independent safety team to liaise with the PFAA on an ongoing basis.
3
We demand that Dave Castro be removed from his position on the sports team.
These demands reflect the immediate steps needed to begin to restore athlete confidence in the sport of CrossFit. The PFAA is also keenly aware that more must be done to change the culture and strategic direction of the sport to ensure its future, and that will take time.
Signed by the PFAA Board: Annie Thorisdottir, Brent Fikowski, Dina Swift, Fee Saghafi, Leeverne Engelbrecht, Patrick Vellner, Royce Dunne, Victoria Campos.
Translated from the message posted by the PFAA
The PFAA represents the interests of athletes competing in the CrossFit Games season. The sport is built on the principle that athletes do not know all of the details of the events they participate in, but we always assumed if something went wrong they would save us. We were wrong.
1
We demand an appropriate level of transparency between CrossFit and the
PFAA regarding their 3rd party investigation as to the death of Lazar ukic and subsequent changes made to protect all athletes going forward.
2
We demand CrossFit create an independent safety team to liaise with the
PFAA on an ongoing basis.
3
We demand that Dave Castro be removed from his position in the Sport Team.
These demands reflect the immediate steps necessary to begin to restore athlete confidence in CrossFit Sport. The PFAA is also acutely aware that more must be done to change the culture and strategic direction of this sport to ensure its future and that will take time.
Signed The PFAA Board - Anníe Thorisdottir, Brent Fikowski, Dina Swift, Fee Saghafi, Leeverne Engelbrecht, Patrick Vellner, Royce Dunne, Victoria Campos