Leroy Saunders, a prominent fitness coach and gym owner based in Bangkok, tragically passed away at the age of 41 during a HYROX competition. The South African national collapsed while participating in the event, which took place on Thursday, 13th August, at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, as reported by local media outlet The Nation.
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Saunders lost consciousness during the high-intensity endurance competition, which combines running with functional workout stations. Despite receiving immediate medical attention, including CPR and first aid at the scene, he was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. His loved ones announced his passing in an emotional statement shared on Instagram on 18th August, confirming his death on the first day of the event.
The cause of Saunders’ sudden collapse remains unclear, and his family expressed their gratitude towards the community for its support during this difficult time. They promised to provide more information about the circumstances surrounding his passing when appropriate, stating, “Until the last second, Leroy lived his life without regret or hesitation and impacted hundreds if not thousands to do the same throughout his journey.”
Prior to his untimely death, Saunders had participated in HYROX events, previously completing the competition in the Doubles category in a commendable time of one hour, 17 minutes, and 51 seconds. HYROX, established in 2017, has quickly gained popularity as an indoor fitness event, combining eight kilometres of running with a series of functional workout challenges.
In addition to his competitive spirit, Saunders was deeply committed to his role as a coach, which was highlighted by a fundraising campaign established to support his family after his death. The initiative, hosted on WhyDonate, emphasised his dedication not only to the sport but also to mentoring and developing athletes. The campaign noted, “He gave everything to this sport and to the people around him. His passion for coaching was genuine, his knowledge was deep, and his energy was the kind that made every room feel different when he walked in.”
Saunders was the founder of Fight by Design, a unique physical conditioning programme tailored for boxers, Muay Thai, and mixed martial arts (MMA) practitioners. His gym, IAOT CrossFit, became well-known in the local fitness community, where he worked tirelessly to develop better athletes and foster an inclusive community spirit.
In tribute to Saunders’ legacy, a special workout is planned for Sunday, 23rd August, at various gyms and fitness centres across Thailand. The event aims to honour his commitment to hard work and inspire participants to celebrate his life through physical activity. The announcement, posted on Instagram, encouraged everyone to “celebrate his life by doing what he invested so much of it into, HARD WORK.”
The shock of Saunders’ passing has reverberated through the fitness community, as many reflect on the profound impact he had on those around him. His loss is felt keenly by friends, family, and the countless individuals he inspired throughout his career.
While officials from HYROX have not yet commented on the incident, Saunders’ memory will be vividly remembered by his peers and the fitness community in Bangkok and beyond. His untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, even for those dedicated to health and fitness.
As investigations into the circumstances surrounding his collapse continue, many in the fitness community remain in mourning and are eager to pay their respects both through shared memories and dedicated workouts in his honour.