The CrossFit community was rocked by the sudden loss of Lazar Dukic during a 2024 CrossFit Games swimming event in Fort Worth, Texas. Lazar was more than just a familiar face at the CrossFit Games; he was a powerhouse on the leaderboard. Having competed four times, he really knew how to bring his A-game, clinching the title of the 2024 Europe Semifinal champion. He was the first guy to win three consecutive Semifinals.
But beyond the weights and the workout mats, who was Lazar Dukic? As news of his untimely departure spreads, many are left wondering about the man behind the athlete. Was he married? Who were the people closest to him?
Lazar’s Relationship with his Girlfriend Was Straight Out Of Romentic Movie
When it comes to the heart stuff, Lazar, the Serbian ethnic athlete, was all in with Dr. Anja Pantovich. These two started dating back in May 2018 and had been going strong ever since. While commemorating their sixth anniversary back in 2023, Lazar shared a sweet photo of him planting a kiss on Anja’s cheek with a caption that just spelled out love: “Couldn’t do it without you!” It was clear from his posts that Lazar was head over heels for her.
Likewise, his fifth-anniversary post was the same. This time he wrote, “Five years together! Here’s to many more!”
Anja wasn’t just his girlfriend; she was his rock, especially during the ups and downs of competitive sports. Lazar didn’t shy away from sharing how crucial she was, whether things were going great or when he needed a pick-me-up. In one heartfelt shoutout, he wrote, “@njaaaaaaaa you are the best! Thank you for knowing how to handle me when things go downhill and for getting me back to the right headspace after both good and bad performances. You are the real MVP and I am so grateful for you! 🌍❤️”
While they weren’t married and didn’t have kids, their bond was something special. They even had plans to tie the knot soon, but fate had other plans.
His Rivalry with his Brother Was Such a Joy to Watch
Lazar’s rivalry with his brother Luka wasn’t just a competition; it was a highlight reel of their close bond. Luka, also a dedicated CrossFit athlete, often squared off against Lazar in various events, turning each competition into a family affair that everyone looked forward to. Their sibling rivalry was filled with healthy competition and mutual respect, and Lazar loved to share snapshots of these moments, capturing both the intensity and the fun of their contests.
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Their bond went beyond just sharing a sport; they supported and pushed each other to excel, making their competition a celebrated part of their lives. After Lazar’s tragic death, Luka shared a touching photo that captured a heartfelt embrace between the two—Lazar with a protective arm around Luka, heads touching, in a moment of pure brotherly love. This image, more than anything, showcased the depth of their relationship, a moment frozen in time where the weight of competition gave way to the weight of their connection.
To this day, neither of them talked about their parents. Besides, at the time of his death, the 37-year-old was worth $100,000.
