Hyrox athlete apologizes, forfeits points after soiling herself during race
Hyrox world champion Joanna Wietrzyk has forfeited her first-place points from a Beijing race after continuing to compete despite an involuntary bowel movement. The incident sparked significant backlash and prompted the organization to review its competition rules.
Why it matters
The incident raises questions about athlete health, hygiene protocols, and the integrity of competitive fitness events.
Hear this story Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk is forfeiting the points she earned from her first-place finish at a Hyrox race in Beijing on Sept. 12, which sparked backlash and led to a rule change after she continued competing at the indoor fitness event despite soiling herself.
Wietrzyk issued a formal apology on Instagram on Thursday, Sept. 17, writing she's "deeply sorry for the discomfort and disruption" caused by her decision to continue on in the elite race after an involuntary bowel movement.
"I felt completely fit and healthy at the start of the race, with no reason to expect any illness. Looking back, I regret the decision to not have stepped off the track. I recognize that I should have made a different choice," wrote Wietrzyk, the 22-year-old Hyrox world champion. "On reflection, I have decided to retroactively withdraw from the race and forfeit the points I earned."
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