The 2024 CrossFit Games have been the most dramatic edition of the competition since its conception in 18 years ago. It all started with the unfortunate passing of Lazar Đukić at the first event and followed through to the second day. Namely, the organizers decided to keep the competition going, but some athletes were not okay with competing in the wake of such an incident. That includes both of the defending champions, Laura Horvath and Jeffrey Adler, who have decided to withdraw from the contest.
Laura Horvath’s Withdrawal
The speculation about Laura Horvath’s withdrawal from the 2024 CrossFit Games began after she was tagged in an Instagram post made by a fellow competitor, stating that they would not continue competing. However, it was officially confirmed once the second women’s event started. Laura was supposed to be in the final heat but did not appear at the starting line.
“Each athlete, coach, fan, and spectator will deal with this grief and honor Lazar in a way which they feel appropriate.
We have decided that for us, continuing to compete in the 2024 Crossfit Games does not honour Lazar in the way we wish,” wrote Elliot Simmonds in a post and tagged Laura Horvath.
Check out the full statement here:
Related: Multiple Athletes Withdraw From 2024 CrossFit Games After the Death of Lazar Đukić
Jeffrey Adler’s Withdrawal
Jeffrey Adler also turned to Instagram in order to explain why he has decided to withdraw from the 2024 CrossFit Games. He also made it clear that he respects anyone’s decision to continue competing, but he did not feel that it was the right way to pay tribute to Lazar.
“I do not feel that taking the floor and competing in this state would do justice in honouring Lazar and his family this weekend. Therefore, I will not be participating in the 2024 CrossFit Games.”
Check out the full statement here:
Laura Horvath had the best year of her career in 2023, having won the CrossFit Games. Tia-Clair Toomey did not compete due to pregnancy, and Horvath seized the chance. However, she then went on to beat Tia-Clair at the 2023 Rogue Invitational, proving again that she was actually the Fittest Woman On Earth.
So, with Tia-Clair Toomey returning to the 2024 CrossFit Games, fans were excited to watch the duel between her and Horvath. Unfortunately, the incident that ended tragically for Lazar Đukić shook up Laura and prompted her to withdraw from the competition. Judging by the post in which she was tagged, Laura believes that the best way to honor Lazar is not to compete this weekend.
Laura Horvath and Jeffrey Adler are not the only athletes who think this way, as others, such as Karin Freyova, as well as some Teams, have taken the same step. Others have continued to compete, as they believe that Lazar would have wanted it to be done that way.
With Laura Horvath out of the 2024 CrossFit Games, we are guaranteed to see a different champion from last year. Tia-Clair Toomey has had an incredible start to the competition. So it is looking likely that she might take the throne once again. The men’s division is a bit more tight, as no athlete seems to stand out at the moment.
It is safe to assume that Laura Horvath will now continue preparing for the 2024 Rogue Invitational, which is another major competition. It remains to be seen if she addresses the withdrawal from the 2024 CrossFit Games herself. On the other hand, Jeffrey Adler has released his own statement, revealing exactly how he feels about the situation.
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