Joanna Wietrzyk Withdraws from HYROX Beijing Victory

Sep 17, 2026

63 min

Sep 17, 2026 15:31

Joanna Wietrzyk apologises and gives up HYROX Beijing win

## Apology and Withdrawal

Joanna Wietrzyk, a 22-year-old athlete from Australia, has publicly apologized and decided to relinquish her win at the HYROX event in Beijing. The incident, which occurred during the women's Pro race on September 12, involved Wietrzyk continuing to compete despite a personal health issue that raised hygiene concerns.

## Incident Details

During the race, Wietrzyk lost control of her bowels but continued to use shared equipment, eventually finishing first. This incident went viral, especially in China, leading to widespread criticism and questions about the event's management.

## Reflection and Responsibility

Wietrzyk expressed regret for not withdrawing from the race when the incident occurred. She acknowledged the discomfort and disruption caused, stating she felt healthy before the race and had no prior indication of any health issues.

## Organizational Response

Following the incident, HYROX co-founder Moritz Furste apologized for the organization's handling of the situation, admitting that officials should have acted immediately. In response, HYROX has updated its rules to allow race directors to withdraw competitors on medical grounds if there is a risk of contamination.

## Future Plans

Wietrzyk has decided to take a break from racing to focus on her well-being and family, acknowledging that there are more important aspects of life than competition.

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