HYROX apologises and changes rules after athlete wins despite soiling herself during competition

HYROX has issued an apology and vowed to change its rules after an athlete soiled herself during a competition in China, and went on to win. 

Joanna Wietrzyk chose to battle through having pooed herself, and won the indoor endurance circuit, competing in the elite group as part of the 16-24 age category, in Beijing over the weekend. Images and videos of her covered in poo have been going viral on Twitter ever since. 

Under current rules, athletes taking part in HYROX events are not allowed to spit, clear their nose, litter, or pour water over their heads. But, nobody stepped in after Joanna was seen with poo running down her legs. 

After losing her faculties during the event, she continued with the rowing machine, sledge push, and medicine ball throwing sections. Ultimately, her gamble paid off, and Joanna won the women’s solo event with a time of 61 minutes and 23 seconds. 

Now, HYROX has issued an apology, and vowed to change its rulebook moving forward. The organiser confirmed equipment was removed from the venue and deep-cleaned, and carpet replacement was scheduled overnight before the rest of the participants began the following day.

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by HYROX Official (@hyroxworld)

HYROX co-founder Moritz Fürste has since issued a personal statement “addressing the China incident directly”, saying “we learn and try to get better”.

He said: “I need to address all of you directly concerning the recent events in China. I apologise to all that were directly or indirectly affected, as well as to everyone who felt like we did not handle the situation like we should have.

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“HYROX made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race. In the end it is my job to foresee these potential incidents – and I did not. Of course, we started improving event processes, plus making rule book changes immediately.

“As of this moment, there are new rules and procedures in place to prevent situations like this from happening again. We learn and try to get better everyday.”

An Australian competitor at HYROX Beijing suffered sudden fecal incontinence mid-race due to intense physical stress — but still pushed through and finished strong.

Race organizers confirmed they immediately isolated and disinfected the affected area, disposing of equipment and… pic.twitter.com/xWSKl6m3A3

— Shanghai Daily (@shanghaidaily) September 13, 2026

As per The Global Times, HYROX China has also issued a statement with the express aim of initiating changes to the current system and rules. The statement said it will push for additional rules covering scenarios involving extreme physical discomfort and public health risks at competition venues.

According to the publication, the statement said that, as the current Hyrox global competition rulebook does not provide clear provisions or penalties for such situations, the officiating team on duty had to make an on-the-spot judgment based on their experience at previous Elite15 events.

They were unable to intervene immediately, highlighting gaps in the event’s competition rules and procedures. Hyrox China will now undertake systematic corrective measures and improvements.

In a now-deleted Instagram Story, Joanna shared a selfie of herself attached to an IV drip with the caption: “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.”

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