HYROX’s Official Statement On Athlete Who Defecated On Herself

HYROX has released an official statement responding to concerns over an Aussie athlete who won the Beijing competition on the weekend even though she defecated on herself.

In an Instagram post shared on Monday, HYROX, a fitness race that “combines both running and functional workout stations”, released an official statement after Joanna Wietrzyk, an Aussie athlete, won the race while completely covered in her own poo.

“As our sport continues to evolve, we are encountering new and increasingly complex situations that challenge us and where additional clarity is needed,” the statement began.

“This happened this weekend in China.

“We ask our athletes to push themselves to the highest levels. At times, they will go beyond what even we thought was possible. That courage, resilience and refusal to give in are precisely what makes elite athletes so extraordinary. Our role is to give them the right framework and the right boundaries within which they can compete, perform and express themselves at their very best.”

Joanna Wietrzyk during HYROX Beijing. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)

The statement comes shortly after many criticised the event, and Joanna, for pushing through the poo, with punters raising concerns over health and respect for other athletes.

*One of the scathing comments left on HYROX’s Instagram after the incident. (Image source: Instagram / @hyroxworld)*

“HYROX has clear biocontaminant and medical procedures in place. In this instance, an unforeseen situation arose in which protocols designed for elite competition and mass participation became blurred, creating ambiguity in how they were applied and understood,” HYROX responded.

“We recognise that this can understandably lead to frustration, questions and strong views within our community. Those concerns are legitimate and, as organisers, we must be prepared to hear them, examine what happened and take responsibility for continuing to improve.”

Per news.com.au, an event organiser claimed that contaminated equipment was removed, contaminated race lanes were closed, and a carpet replacement and deep-clean were scheduled overnight in preparation for the next race, which took place the following day.

*As you can see, the fecal matter is everywhere. (Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images)*

HYROX plans to ban people who send athletes hate

Further in the statement, HYROX clapped back at people who criticised Joanna for the decision to continue the course, stating that anyone who is engaging in problematic behaviour — including threats of violence or encouragement to harm an athlete — will be banned from all HYROX events.

“We’re proud of what we have built together: a global movement driven by ambition, passion, grit and an extraordinary community of people who care deeply about this sport,” it continued.

“We will continue to listen. We will continue to learn. And, above all, we will continue to put the welfare and dignity of the athletes at the centre of what comes next.”

*HYROX says it will ban people who are sending threats of violence or encouragement to harm an athlete from all of its events. (Image source: Instagram / @hyroxworld)*

The internet reacts to HYROX’s statement

At the time of writing, HYROX’s statement has not been well received, with many continuing to highlight hygiene concerns and the lack of an apology to participants and staff who might have come into contact with Joanna’s fecal matter.

“I’m missing an apology to all athletes and participants involved. Or has HYROX become an elitist sport where the hobby participants don’t matter? My understanding of your values has become blurred after reading this statement,” one person wrote.

“Nobody deserves hate messages, but this statement lacks all accountability and safety for others who, from what I’m reading, are not ‘elite’ athletes. Whewwww,” another penned.

“This response is trash. You should apologise to all athletes who competed in Beijing and give a firm commitment that any athlete who does this again will be immediately removed from the field of play,” wrote a third.

Some people also pointed out that HYROX has a no-spitting or clearing nostrils policy, and if participants choose to do so, it will result in a two-minute time penalty.

*Nothing about poopoo yet. (Image source: Hyrox)*

“So I can’t spit on the course, but I can shit myself? Good to know,” one person questioned.

“Agreed on the violence & threats BUT if spitting on the course gets you a penalty, I think we should look into revising the rule book,” another wrote.

Joanna has not responded to the controversy just yet. However, in a now-deleted Instagram Story, the athlete wrote, “Go hard or go home… a win is a win. In all seriousness, thank you for all the support. I’ll be back soon”.

The HYROX champ has since turned off comments on her IG.

PEDESTRIAN.TV has reached out to Joanna and HYROX for comment.