Wietrzyk returns to HYROX with victory after Beijing incident
Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk secured a win at HYROX Hamburg in Germany, marking her return to competition following a six-week break. The event, the opening round of the 2025-26 HYROX Elite 15 Series, came after a controversial incident at a race in Beijing last month.
During the Beijing race, Wietrzyk experienced severe diarrhea, and videos circulating online showed her continuing to compete with visible distress. She subsequently withdrew from the event, forfeited her points, and issued a public apology.
The subsequent online backlash was significant, leading Wietrzyk to consider quitting the sport entirely. She described the period as mentally and emotionally taxing and relied on family support to navigate the situation.
Wietrzyk previously told the BBC that she acknowledged making a mistake by continuing the race in Beijing but was surprised by the intensity of the online criticism. “Yes, I did make the wrong decision but I don’t believe I should have received such backlash and such scrutiny online,” she stated. She also expressed regret for not considering the impact on others.
She admitted to contemplating leaving HYROX and pursuing a more conventional career, experiencing a period of low morale. Her next major competition is the HYROX Elite Series in London, scheduled for December 3-6.
Source
“Australia's Joanna Wietrzyk wins first HYROX race since incontinence controversy”
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