Hyrox Champion’s Past Comments Resurface After Mid-Race Diarrhea Incident

Hyrox competitor Joanna Wietrzyk, 24, experienced a public health incident during a recent competition in Beijing when she lost bowel control mid-race. The event, which occurred during the burpee broad jumps segment, led to Wietrzyk continuing the race with fecal matter visible on her legs and equipment. Photos and videos of the incident quickly circulated online, drawing widespread attention and criticism.

Wietrzyk had previously voiced her strong aversion to the burpee broad jump exercise, a staple in Hyrox competitions. In a November 2024 interview on the "Abnormal" podcast, she explicitly stated her desire to see this particular station removed from the competition. "I hate the burpees. Hate's very strong, but I dislike the burpees very much," Wietrzyk said, suggesting it be replaced with an additional running segment or a more enjoyable exercise.

Her opinion remained consistent a year and a half later. In an April Q&A with Boxrox, when asked to identify one aspect of Hyrox she would change, Wietrzyk again pointed to the burpees, stating, "I would definitely get rid of that station." She emphasized, "I just would remove it, full stop."

The incident occurred after Wietrzyk had completed two runs and the SkiErg portion of the competition. Following the burpee broad jumps, she proceeded through the remaining stations, including a seated row, farmer’s carry, sandbag lunge, and wall ball exercises, while visibly experiencing fecal incontinence.

Such episodes, sometimes referred to as "runner's diarrhea" or "runner's colitis," can occur during strenuous exercise. Factors contributing to this can include the redirection of blood flow away from the gastrointestinal tract to working muscles, dehydration, and the consumption of certain foods or supplements high in concentrated sugars, fats, fiber, or carbohydrates before or during an event. Wietrzyk has noted in past interviews that she favors energy gels, which are rich in carbohydrates, over caffeine.

Following the incident, Chinese officials reportedly cordoned off affected areas, disinfected the site, and replaced contaminated equipment. However, reports from some participants and spectators indicated that cleanup was not immediate and that waste remained on the equipment and track.

In response to the public reaction and the incident, HYROX updated its rulebook. Race directors now have the authority to withdraw an athlete if bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, urine, or feces pose a risk to the athlete or other competitors. Athletes removed under these circumstances will be recorded as not finishing the race.