Luka Dukic Returns to Competition After Brother Lazar’s Death at Crossfit Games, Wins Dubai Fitness Championship Qualifier

Just over two months after witnessing the death of Lazar Dukic during the 2024 CrossFit Games, his brother, Luka Dukic, has made a triumphant return by winning the Dubai Fitness Championship Online Qualifier.

The Dubai Fitness Championship Online Qualifier is the gateway for athletes who want to compete in the United Arab Emirates’ city, famous for its iconic Burj Khalifa. The qualifier consisted of four workouts that athletes could complete over three weeks, submitting their videos and scores to the platform.

After completing this test, the top 28 male and female athletes are invited to compete in the championship, along with two special invitees.

However, Luka Dukic didn’t need an invitation, as he responded at the highest level and emerged as the top athlete in the qualifier. The Serbian competitor finished 11th, 1st, 7th, and 28th in the four events, respectively.

Men’s Podium:

Luka Đukić (Serbia) – 47 points
Giorgos Karavis (Greece) – 57 points
Moritz Fiebig (Germany) – 60 points

Women’s Podium:

Jamie Simmonds (New Zealand) – 33 points
Andrea Solberg (Norway) – 34 points
Elena Carratalá (Spain) – 35 points

The Dubai Fitness Championship will take place from December 6 to 8, with the winner taking home up to $50,000.

Who Was Lazar Dukic, the Athlete Who Died at the 2024 CrossFit Games?

Lazar Dukic, who passed away during Event 1 of the 2024 CrossFit Games, was a Serbian athlete globally recognized for his ability to compete at the highest level in these “fitness” tests, which push human capacity to the limit.

Since 2021, Dukic had consistently qualified for the CrossFit Games and was a regular contender in the Top 10.

He finished ninth in 2021, eighth in 2022, and repeated ninth place in 2023. In 2019, he qualified for the fitness competition as Serbia’s national champion but declined the invitation, opting to make his debut two years later.

During his career, he was a six-time national champion in Serbia. Before CrossFit, he was a water polo player but discovered the sport while studying in the U.S., thanks to a roommate who was more familiar with the discipline.