The global fitness community is in mourning following the sudden death of a well-known gym owner and trainer who collapsed during a high-intensity endurance competition in Thailand.
Leroy Saunders, a 41-year-old South African-born fitness coach based in Bangkok, tragically died after losing consciousness while competing at the BYD HYROX Bangkok event on which ran from August 13 to August 16.
The tragic incident occurred at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, where event staff and medical personnel rushed to provide CPR and emergency assistance on the spot.
Mr Saunders was transported to a nearby hospital but was later pronounced dead.
His family and team confirmed the news in an emotional statement published on his personal Instagram account on Tuesday, August 18.
“Until the last second of this moment, Leroy lived his life without regret or hesitation,” the statement read, remembering him as a dedicated mentor who had positively impacted hundreds, if not thousands, of lives throughout his career.
His family added that they are still working to fully understand the exact circumstances surrounding his death and requested that media outlets and HYROX event organisers refrain from speculation until full medical details are confirmed, according to the Bangkok Post.
A pillar in the local combat and fitness scene
Mr Saunders was a prominent figure in Thailand’s fitness industry.
He was the owner of IAOT CrossFit in Bangkok and the founder of Fight by Design, a specialised physical conditioning program designed for Muay Thai fighters, boxers, and mixed martial arts (MMA) athletes.
Mr Saunders had previously competed in Hyrox, finishing the Doubles category in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 51 seconds alongside last year.
Tributes have flooded social media from fellow trainers, fighters, and gym members paying homage to his passion, work ethic, and dedication to helping others reach their physical potential.
His family expressed gratitude to the global and local fitness communities for the outpouring of support and noted that details regarding a memorial to celebrate his life will be shared in due course.
What is HYROX?
HYROX has rapidly grown into one of the world’s most popular mass-participation fitness races, bridging the gap between traditional marathons and functional fitness disciplines like CrossFit.
Designed to test both cardiovascular endurance and functional strength, a standard HYROX race requires participants to complete eight 1km runs, each followed by a demanding functional workout station.
The stations include a one-kilometer SkiErg, 50-meter sled push, 50-meter sled pull, 80-meter burpee broad jumps, one kilometre of rowing, 200 meters of farmers carry, 100 meters of dandbag lunges and finishes with 100 weighted wall balls.
The gruelling multi-discipline format forces competitors to push their heart rates to the limit over an average duration of 60 to 90 minutes.
The Bangkok event, held from August 13 to 16, was expected to draw thousands of athletes and spectators from across the region as the sport continues its rapid global expansion.