South Africa-born fitness coach dies after collapsing during Hyrox Bangkok

South African fitness coach Leroy Saunders, 41, died after collapsing during the Hyrox Bangkok competition on August 13, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. — Picture from Facebook/Leroy Saunders

By Malay Mail

First Published: Tuesday, 18 Aug 2026 4:45 PM MYT

BANGKOK, Aug 18 — South African fitness coach Leroy Saunders died after collapsing and losing consciousness during the Hyrox Bangkok 2026 competition last Thursday, leaving Thailand’s CrossFit and combat-sports community mourning one of its familiar figures.

The 41-year-old was resuscitated and taken to hospital after collapsing during the event at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, which ran from August 13 to 16, according to a statement posted on his Instagram account today.

The statement said the circumstances surrounding his death were still being understood and asked Hyrox and the media to hold off on making statements until his family and team were certain about what had happened.

Saunders owned IAOT CrossFit in Bangkok, which lists him as its owner, and was known for strength and conditioning work with combat athletes.

He also founded Fight by Design, a programme focused on physical training for Muay Thai fighters, MMA athletes and boxers.

Saunders had competed in Hyrox himself, finishing the Doubles category in 1 hour, 17 minutes and 51 seconds alongside Annika Saunders last year.

The Hyrox Bangkok event was also the subject of other concerns this year, with a Thai athlete treated for heatstroke during the March edition and complaints over unclean equipment during the August event.