Aussie athlete rules Hyrox China despite bowel woes

MANILA, Philippines — S*** literally happened, but it did not matter for an Australian athlete who managed to win the Hyrox Beijing race Sunday in China despite suffering sudden fecal incontinence.

Photos and videos that spread like wildfire on social media showed Joanna Wietrzyk pressing on during the Women’s Pro Race despite soiling her pants, the mess dripping onto her legs and eventually reaching the mat.

Wietrzy still topped the race with a time of 1:01:23, but her ordeal sparked controversy due to the fact that she also contaminated the flooring and equipment meant to be shared with co-competitors.

An Australian athlete, Joanna Wietrzyk, reportedly suffered sudden fecal incontinence due to intense physical stress during the Women’s Pro race at HYROX Beijing but continued competing and won with a time of 1:01:23.

HYROX China said the affected lanes were immediately closed… pic.twitter.com/OvtTD1a2A0

— Complex (@Complex) September 13, 2026

Athlete Developed Diarrhea Right During the Competition

Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk was unable to control her bowels during a HYROX race in China. The mess ended up on her legs, clothing, the flooring, and the equipment.

The race was not stopped, so other participants… pic.twitter.com/XkEetocmSX

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) September 13, 2026

Concerns over hygiene and criticism over Wietrzy’s decision to continue the race despite having bowel woes trended on social media, with some questioning the handling of the situation by race organizer HYROX China.

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9?12??HYROX??????????????????Joanna Wietrzyk?????????????????????????… pic.twitter.com/Tt5H19yIoK

— ????????? (@caomei_nz) September 13, 2026

HYROX China issued a statement detailing its response to the mess.

“After the incident, the organizing committee immediately closed off and isolated the affected area and track, and completed comprehensive disinfection. The related work continued until all races concluded that day. Relevant equipment was removed from the venue, and waste was disposed of in accordance with municipal waste-management standards. After today’s events conclude, we will replace the flooring and carry out a deep disinfection of the entire venue to further protect athlete health,” its statement read.

“Athletes can compete with confidence. HYROX China will continue to uphold sporting integrity, maintain strict venue standards, and provide all participants with a safe and positive race experience.”

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