On 12/9, during the Women’s Pro category in Beijing, Wietrzyk experienced a bowel control incident. Despite feces on her body and the track, she was allowed to continue, completing the competition in 1 hour, 1 minute, and 23 seconds.

Joanna Wietrzyk competing at Hyrox Beijing, China on 12/9. *Photo: Shanghai Daily*

The incident quickly went viral on social media, sparking outrage among the Hyrox fan community and specialized media outlets. Many suggested that organizers gave Wietrzyk special treatment due to her elite status and sponsorship by Puma, which is also a main official sponsor of Hyrox.

The controversy intensified as Hyrox is a sport featuring shared running tracks and equipment among athletes, including rowing machines, sleds, and exercise mats. An athlete continuing to compete after such an incident raised hygiene and health concerns for other participants in the same heat.

After the competition, Wietrzyk posted a photo on Instagram of herself on a medical stretcher with the caption, "Play hard, win hard. A win is a win". The post was deleted after receiving hundreds of comments criticizing the Australian athlete's sportsmanship and arguing she should have stopped competing to avoid health risks to other athletes and venue staff.

Joanna Wietrzyk posted a photo with the caption, "Play hard, win hard. A win is a win".

Hyrox, the organizer of the global fitness race series attracting thousands, stated it would review and adjust its regulations following the controversy in Beijing.

"As our sport evolves, we encounter new and increasingly complex situations that demand clearer regulations", Hyrox wrote in a statement released on 14/9. The organization confirmed that the affected area was isolated and disinfected, while related equipment was removed from the competition zone and replaced to mitigate risks to other athletes.

According to Hyrox, the 12/9 incident in the Chinese capital was "an unexpected situation where the boundary between professional race procedures and mass participation events became unclear, leading to ambiguity in understanding and applying regulations".

"We acknowledge this may reasonably lead to frustration, questions, and intense debate within the community. These concerns are legitimate. As organizers, we must be ready to listen, investigate what occurred, and take responsibility to continue improving", the statement read.

Hyrox also strongly condemned alleged online threats against Wietrzyk. The company stated it is investigating and will ban those responsible from participating in future Hyrox events.

Joanna Wietrzyk competing at Hyrox Beijing.

A female athlete who participated in the competition on 12/9 and directly witnessed the event told Spanish news agency EFE that the actual events matched the images circulating on social media.

According to the witness, Wietrzyk experienced severe bowel control loss less than halfway through the race but continued competing. Feces were subsequently left on the track and on equipment, machines, and mats shared by athletes.

"Cleaning was not performed immediately but only at the end of the day. Some people got soiled, and some even slipped because of the feces", the witness recounted.

Global Times, a Chinese state media outlet, also covered the controversy on 14/9. Sports commentator Zhu Meng stated, "True sportsmanship lies in knowing one's limits, as competition should never continue at the expense of public health and the rights of other athletes".

On Chinese social media, many expressed outrage, questioning why organizers and medical staff did not intervene promptly. Some athletes who competed on the same day suggested Hyrox should refund those who raced alongside Wietrzyk and faced potential health risks. Each participant reportedly paid approximately 150 USD.

Joanna Wietrzyk set a world record in the Women’s Solo Pro category with a time of 54 minutes and 25 seconds at the Warsaw Major in 4/2026.

Wietrzyk is an Australian athlete and fitness coach, active in Hyrox and functional sports.

Before transitioning to hybrid endurance races like Hyrox, Wietrzyk had a background in CrossFit, functional fitness, and track and field. She competes in the Women’s Pro category, reserved for high-level Hyrox athletes.

Hyrox events combine running with strength training stations. Wietrzyk is highly regarded for her performance in events using sleds and endurance machines.

In 2026, Wietrzyk participated in several major competitions, including events in Phoenix, US; Warsaw, Poland; and the World Championships. She won the Warsaw Major and set a world record in the Women’s Solo Pro category with a time of 54 minutes and 25 seconds.

Beyond competing, Wietrzyk works as an online fitness coach and personal trainer. Her work focuses on preparing athletes for Hyrox races, hybrid endurance, and strength training.

Hong Duy (according to Marca)