Sport4 min(s) read
The HYROX athlete who finished second behind Joanna Wietrzyk has broken her silence following the controversial Beijing event, after disturbing footage of the Australian competitor soiling herself during the race sparked widespread backlash.
Wietrzyk was filmed appearing to continue through the competition despite feces visibly running down her legs, with questions quickly raised about how she was allowed to remain on the course, prompting HYROX officials to release a statement on the incident.
She ultimately completed the HYROX Pro women's event in the elite 16-24 age category in 1:01:23, finishing ahead of current HYROX World Champion Alyssa McElheny.
Wietrzyk reportedly completed a series of grueling stations, including the rowing machine, sled push and medicine ball throw, despite the incident threatening to cause disqualification.
However, the situation has since prompted debate over hygiene, athlete welfare and the responsibilities of the event's organizers when something goes wrong during a competition, particularly concerning the health and safety of participants.
As footage of the incident spread online, attention quickly turned towards what happened to the equipment and race areas Wietrzyk had used.
One social media user shared an image that appeared to show equipment affected by the incident and questioned whether Wietrzyk should have been disqualified.
“Completely unfair for any participants behind her! DQ!” they wrote.
Another user claimed that additional competitors had been affected, alleging: “Apparently the officials would not give a response.”
A further post appeared to show people cleaning areas of the course and questioned how HYROX had handled the situation.
“Are you going to DQ her? Are you and Joanna going to apologise to the volunteers who had to clean up her sh**? Or is her shit golden because she is part of Elite 15 and therefore untouchable?” the user wrote.
They also raised concerns about those tasked with dealing with the aftermath.
“These volunteers were not even paid, yet they had to put themselves at risk and clean up human waste without proper protection while she continued competing. What about their welfare and safety?”
The same user questioned whether athletes who subsequently used the course could have been exposed to contaminated areas.
However, claims circulating online about other competitors being affected and the circumstances surrounding the volunteers have not been independently verified.
HYROX has confirmed that equipment affected by the incident was removed, race lanes were sanitized and sections of carpet were replaced, with the organization also claiming that further deep cleaning was scheduled before the competition resumed the following day.
HYROX has since acknowledged the criticism surrounding its handling of the incident.
“We recognize that this can understandably lead to frustration, questions, and strong views within our community,” the organisation said.
“Those concerns are legitimate and, as organizers, we must be prepared to hear them, examine what happened, and take responsibility for continuing to improve. And we will.”
HYROX subsequently updated its rulebook following the controversy, with the organisation
Wietrzyk herself has faced a wave of online abuse, prompting her coach Chris Bayens to defend her.
“No one is perfect, not in sport, not on social media, not in real life,” Bayens said.
He described what happened as 'an extraordinary set of circumstances that were unforeseen, rapidly evolving, and almost impossible to fully comprehend in real time'.
“Decisions were made under competition conditions by an athlete, judges, and officials, all responding to a situation none of them could reasonably have prepared for,” he continued.
Wietrzyk has not publicly addressed the controversy in detail, although she briefly appeared to reference her situation in an Instagram Story from a hospital bed before deleting the post.
“Go hard or go home they say ... a win is a win,” she wrote.
She then added: “In all seriousness, thank you for all the support. I’ll be back soon x,”
Meanwhile, the athlete who finished behind her has now offered her own update, with McElheny, the current HYROX World Champion, posting photographs from her time competing in Beijing alongside a message praising the atmosphere.
“Beijing - you were INCREDIBLE. I’ve never experienced such a passionate, kind, loving crowd. Thank you so much for your cheers and hospitality. I’ll be back!” she wrote.
Instagram users were quick to respond, with several calling her the 'real winner.'
McElheny's post did not directly address the controversy surrounding Wietrzyk or the handling of the incident, nor has she issued any public statement regarding it.
