Hyrox will review protocols after athlete carries on competing despite soiling herself
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Joanna Wietrzyk, world champion of the Hyrox indoor fitness competition, was allowed to continue competing despite soiling herself during the elite 16-24 age event in Beijing, sparking controversy and health concerns.
- Hyrox acknowledged issues in handling the situation, stating that existing biocontaminant and medical protocols became blurred during the event, and pledged to review and improve their procedures.
- Wietrzyk, who won the race, posted a hospital selfie thanking supporters but later deleted the post; meanwhile, other competitors expressed disappointment and called for compensation due to safety concerns.
- Hyrox condemned online abuse directed at Wietrzyk, warning that anyone engaging in threats or harmful comments would be banned from future events.
- The incident highlights that athletes sometimes experience such physical challenges during high-endurance competitions, with similar cases reported among elite marathoners and race walkers in the past.
