Hyrox Beijing athlete allegedly completes race despite fecal incontinence, organiser disinfects venue

On September 12, 2026, a female athlete named Joanna Wietrzyk, representing Australia in the Hyrox Beijing fitness race, allegedly suffered fecal incontinence during the competition and continued to complete the race. Photos and videos posted on Chinese social media platforms showed Wietrzyk performing exercises, including burpee broad jumps, with visible fecal matter on her legs and parts of the course.

This incident raised concerns among other participants and members of the public about hygiene and the potential contamination of the race venue and equipment. According to HK01, Wietrzyk is an elite Australian athlete who participated in the Pro Women division of the Beijing event. Wietrzyk continued with the race despite her condition, finishing with fecal stains on her body and touching all the equipment that subsequent competitors would use.

The Hyrox Beijing race organizers immediately closed and isolated the affected areas and race lanes after the incident occurred. They thoroughly disinfected the affected areas, removed equipment that was affected, and disposed of waste according to local regulations. The carpets were replaced, and the entire venue underwent deep cleaning and disinfection after the day's events.

The organizers emphasized that these measures were taken to strengthen hygiene safeguards at the competition, and they asked all participating athletes to compete with peace of mind.