The company laid out its new vision heading into Albany.
Last updated on July 23rd, 2025
The 2025 CrossFit Games kick off in Albany, NY, on August 1. Following the tragic death of Lazar Ðukić during the first event of last year’s competition, all eyes are on CrossFit HQ to deliver on the promises it made in the past few months regarding athlete safety.
To that end, CrossFit HQ released a statement on Wednesday, July 23, providing updates on its commitment to “high safety standards” at the Games and how it plans to maintain those standards throughout the sport going forward.
One big thing: The statement includes both a recap of CrossFit’s actions throughout the year and a few new measures that will be implemented at the 2025 CrossFit Games.
Remind me: Last year, the Games were held in Fort Worth, TX, and had a tumultuous start when Ðukić drowned during the first event. HQ has since been working to regain the trust of the community and its athletes following the incident, including a series of actions released regarding safety protocols.
- “With the 2025 CrossFit Games just ahead, we’re providing an update on the continued improvement we’ve made concerning those commitments, and how they’ll be implemented,” CrossFit HQ wrote in the emailed press release.
The release provides updates on the actions laid out late last year. The key takeaways can be found below.
New Head of Safety
CrossFit announced the appointment of Wendy Guthrie as the head of safety in April.
She has been leading the CrossFit Sport team on all safety initiatives and upcoming competition seasons. Guthrie has also been collaborating with CrossFit’s medical and security teams, as well as the CrossFit Games Safety Advisory Board and other stakeholders.
- “With the Games fast approaching, Guthrie’s leadership is already shaping the way we prepare, from risk mitigation and emergency planning to mental health advocacy and athlete-centered communication and care,” CrossFit’s release stated.
Safety Advisory Board
The CrossFit Safety Advisory Board was established after Ðukić’s death. The independent panel includes medical experts, safety and equipment specialists, CrossFit coaches, and athletes. Their efforts so far involve helping develop the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the Games and supporting athlete safety by creating subcommittees and working groups.
- “Our Safety Advisory Board members will be present on-site throughout the Games. They will review final event programming, advise on real-time safety considerations, join daily briefings, and support the identification and mitigation of risks as competition unfolds,” CrossFit’s release stated.
Open-Water Swimming
The open-water swim events will stay suspended, but the water safety subcommittee is reviewing the current risk assessment, protocols, and operational standards.
Communication Protocols and Emergency Resources
Although a pre-event rehearsal has always been conducted, this year the team aims to strengthen its protocols to ensure full preparation and coordination. HQ has also incorporated an advisory board member into the on-site event testing procedures to improve visibility and minimize risks.
- “Athletes will continue to receive in-person briefings before each event and will also receive written briefing materials to improve retention and reference. From an operational perspective, we have also increased the radio coverage across key personnel to improve communication throughout the competition,” said the release.
Mental Health Support
On-site at the Games, there will be two licensed clinical mental health professionals to offer “support tailored to the needs of high-level competitors.”
- Additionally, two chaplains will be on-site to provide spiritual and emotional support. Any additional services needed will be available through virtual mental health providers.
CrossFit Athlete Council
An independent council was formed in January to represent CrossFit athletes. Its members include affiliate owners, current athletes, CrossFit coaches and trainers, retired athletes, age-group athletes, and adaptive athletes, according to the press release.
- CrossFit leadership has met with the council on multiple occasions, either at the council’s request or at the company’s request, to discuss a range of topics, including competition safety and drug-testing policies, according to CrossFit’s statement.
Separately, HQ provided updates on enhancements related to athlete recovery services, background screening for volunteer medical team members, and an updated 2025 athlete handbook.
The Bottom Line
The Games are fast approaching, with many athletes and community members entering the event wondering what and to what extent things have changed since last year’s tragedy.
By outlining these safety updates, CrossFit is demonstrating its commitment to enhancing its safety protocols and making a good faith effort to be open and transparent about them.
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Featured Image: Carlos Fleury
