HYROX co-founder apologises after Australian athlete races on in Beijing despite soiling herself
HYROX co-founder Moritz Fürste has apologised after an Australian athlete who suffered faecal incontinence mid-race was allowed to continue competing, an incident that went viral online and prompted rule changes. Australian Joanna Wietrzyk experienced the medical episode during the Beijing competition on the weekend, which she went on to win. Videos of her competing while visibly soiled were widely shared on Chinese social media, sparking criticism of HYROX's health and safety standards. HYROX has introduced new rules allowing race directors to withdraw competitors on medical grounds if bodily fluids pose a contamination risk. Fürste admitted the organisation failed to react immediately, while HYROX China said it would replace the venue floor and clean equipment after the event.