A Hyrox athlete has come under fire after finishing a competition in Beijing despite soiling herself during the event.
No matter the sport, there are plenty of athletes out there who will finish things up despite suffering injuries, illness, and other problems during competition. It is a case of just pushing through for a lot of them.
However, in the case of Hyrox world champion and record holder Joanna Wietrzyk, she has caused a stir after pushing through at an event in Beijing.
Photos and videos of the Australian athlete surfaced online, showing fecal matter running down her legs while continuing to compete. Wietrzyk completed the event, eventually taking home the win in the women’s pro standing.
“Go hard or go home … a win is a win. In all seriousness, thank you for all the support. I’ll be back soon x,” she posted in an Instagram story after the event.
Screenshot via InstagramWietrzyk posted an Instagram story about things.
Hyrox responds after athlete goes viral defecating during event
However, the Aussie has drawn plenty of flak for not giving up and stepping aside at the time, with Hyrox itself also coming under fire. The event has banned spitting, littering, and blowing snot out of your nose in the past.
The fitness company admitted there were “legitimate concerns” about Wietrzyk continuing to compete, but added they had shut down equipment and running lanes so clean-up could take place.
They also noted that a “major cleanup operation” took place on Saturday, shortly after Wietrzyk had won, so that other competitors were not subjected to mess. Hyrox also threatened bans for anyone who was found to be threatening Wietrzyk on social media or in person.
Other athletes and fitness influencers have hit out at Hyrox over the statement, urging them to “take action” against the Aussie.
“Allowing athletes to use equipment covered in human feces should not be a blurred line,” CamGrayFitness said. “So, spilling water on the floor is not okay because of safety, but leaving s*it on the floor is okay in Hyrox. That’s what I get from the statement,” another added.
“Nobody deserves hate messages but this statement lacks all accountability and safety for others that from what I’m reading are not “elite” athletes,” commented another.
Reports in China also stated that competitors have demanded refunds for being made to run on contaminated areas, while others say they slipped, too.
I’m Abhishek Sharma, an author at TigerJek.com. I enjoy exploring games, testing different strategies, and turning what I learn into clear, useful guides. My goal is to help players understand the game better and improve without the usual confusion.
