Dubai: This past weekend, the 2024 Dubai Fitness Championship has delivered a spectacle of strength, endurance, and determination, bringing together elite CrossFit athletes from around the globe to compete in the heart of the United Arab Emirates. Emerging victorious were Luka Dukic of Serbia and Karin Frey of Slovakia, both finishing atop their respective divisions with 740 points each.
For Dukic, the victory was deeply personal and emotional. It marked his first major competition since the tragic passing of his brother Lazar during the CrossFit Games earlier this year. The win was also his first in Dubai, a competition that both brothers had cherished over the years. Frey, on the other hand, made history by securing her third consecutive Dubai title, cementing her legacy as one of the competition’s greats.
The event featured nine grueling workouts, including one particularly poignant challenge titled “Lazar Tribute,” honoring Dukic’s late brother. This workout tested athletes with a mix of SkiErg, power snatches, overhead squats, assault bike, handstand walks, and rope climbs.
Final leaderboard
Men’s Division:
- Luka Dukic (Serbia) – 740 points
- Toby Buckland (U.K.) – 634 points
- Bronislaw Olenkowicz (Poland) – 626 points
- Michal Wesolowski (Poland) – 610 points
- Tola Morakinyo (U.S.A.) – 602 points
Women’s Division:
- Karin Frey (Slovakia) – 740 points
- Jamie Simmonds (New Zealand) – 671 points
- Matilde Garnes (Norway) – 669 points
- Andrea Solberg (Norway) – 639 points
- Kristin Holte (Norway) – 603 points
A weekend of memorable moments
Day 1:
The competition opened with a breathtaking 20-minute FTP test on Concept2 Bike Ergs atop the 50th floor of the Palm Tower, offering stunning views of Dubai’s skyline and the Aura Skypool. Michal Wesolowski and Oda Lundekvam claimed victory in the men’s and women’s divisions, respectively. Later, a 1K sprint showcased explosive speed, with Aline Wirz and Luka Đukić emerging as winners.
Day 2:
Day two brought a mix of grit and heavy lifting, starting with a 5K obstacle course. Elisa Fuliano and Calum Clements dominated the event, while the barbell complex challenge saw standout performances from Tola Morakinyo (171 kg) and Hannah Black (116 kg). The day ended with back-to-back elimination-style workouts that tested agility, strength, and strategy, further solidifying Dukic’s and Simmonds’ leads.
Day 3:
The final day began with a demanding EMOM workout and culminated in the emotionally charged “Lazar Tribute” event. Dukic’s consistent top-three finishes throughout the weekend left him with an unassailable lead heading into the last workout, where Tola Morakinyo and Andrea Solberg delivered electric performances to close out the competition.
A tribute and triumph
For Luka Dukic, the Dubai Fitness Championship was more than a competition—it was a tribute to his brother and a testament to resilience. During the closing ceremony, Luka Dukic held his trophy high and looked to the sky, later sharing heartfelt reflections on social media. He stated that, “This was for Lazar,” crediting his coach, John Singleton, for helping him prepare both physically and mentally.
For Karin Frey, the weekend strengthened her dominance, as she became the first woman to win the event three years in a row. Her consistent performances across all nine events underscored her status as a top competitor in the CrossFit world.
The 2024 Dubai Fitness Championship will be remembered not just for its athletic feats but for the stories of perseverance and heart that unfolded on its grand stage.