Fitness coach dies after collapsing at HYROX competition in Bangkok
South African fitness coach Leroy Saunders, a well-known figure in Thailand’s CrossFit community, has died after collapsing while competing at BYD HYROX Bangkok 2026.
According to Thai media, the 41-year-old lost consciousness during the fitness competition on 13 Aug at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok.
Source: @leroy.offline on Instagram
He received emergency medical attention at the event before being brought to hospital, where he later passed away.
Team asks for statements to be held back while circumstances are clarified
His death was confirmed in a statement posted on his Instagram account on Tuesday (18 Aug).
It said the reasons behind Saunders’ death were still being fully understood, and described him as someone who had made an impact on “hundreds if not thousands” of people throughout his life.
Source: @iamcoachleroy on Instagram
It added that Saunders had lived “without regret or hesitation”, while thanking the many communities he had been part of for the messages, notes, and support they had sent following his death.
His family and team also asked HYROX, media outlets, and other official parties to hold back from making further statements until they were fully certain about what had happened.
Acknowledging that people wanted a clearer understanding of the circumstances, the statement said more information would be shared when appropriate, and thanked supporters for their patience and for “offering light in such a dark time”.
Saunders was a prominent figure in Thailand’s fitness scene
Saunders owned IAOT CrossFit and specialised in sports science, strength, and conditioning, with a particular focus on improving the performance of combat athletes.
He also founded Fight by Design, which developed training programmes for Muay Thai fighters, MMA athletes, boxers, and others looking to improve their physical performance.
Source: @leroy.offline on Instagram
In 2025, Saunders competed in the HYROX Doubles category alongside Annika Saunders, finishing in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 51 seconds.
Tribute workout to be held in memory of Saunders
Members of the fitness community are planning to come together for a tribute workout in Saunders’ memory on Sunday (23 Aug).
The free partner workout, called “Remembering Leroy”, will be held at participating CrossFit gyms, with movements and rep counts designed around the date of his final day and his age.
Source: @iamcoachleroy on Instagram
The session is open to participants of different ability levels, with scaled options available.
Organisers said the workout was created as a way to celebrate Saunders’ life through the hard work and training he had dedicated so much of himself to.
Participants will also have opportunities to donate to the Leroy Saunders Memorial Fund, with more information available through the organisers’ social media channels.
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Former S’pore National Youth football head coach M.S. Arasu passes away at 66, tributes pour in
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Featured image adapted from @leroy.offline on Instagram and @hyroxtha on Instagram, for illustration purposes only.
