Hyrox revises rules after athlete continues race despite fecal accident
Hyrox said it will allow race directors to withdraw competitors for medical or hygiene risks after a world champion was permitted to finish a Beijing race despite soiling herself, prompting criticism and a rulebook update.
Hyrox, the indoor endurance-fitness competition, announced changes to its rulebook following an incident in Beijing on Sept. 12 in which 22-year-old Australian world champion Joanna Wietrzyk soiled herself during the elite race and was allowed to continue. Wietrzyk completed the eight-kilometer run and eight workout stations, winning in 1:01:23, while photos of fecal matter on her legs circulated online and sparked concerns about health and hygiene.
Co-founder Moritz Furste acknowledged the oversight in an Instagram post, saying the organization "made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race" and that new procedures now permit a race director to withdraw a competitor if blood, vomit, urine or feces pose a contamination risk. The updated rulebook records such withdrawals as a Did Not Finish (DNF).
Hyrox also issued an Instagram statement emphasizing its commitment to athlete safety and condemning online abuse directed at Wietrzyk. Her coach, Chris Bayens, described the backlash as "personal attacks" and urged discussion to remain respectful.
The sport, which combines running with functional exercises and shared equipment, has previously penalised spitting or nose-clearing but did not explicitly address fecal incidents. The rule change aims to clarify medical and hygiene protocols for future events.