Hyrox athlete apologises, regrets not stepping off track after having faecal incontinence

Australian Hyrox athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has issued an apology for her performance in the Beijing race after she experienced faecal incontinence mid-race. In an Instagram post, the 24-year-old revealed she did not anticipate falling ill during the competition and regretted not leaving the track. Wietrzyk apologized for the discomfort and disruption caused, offering her sincere regret for those affected.

She also stated she will retroactively withdraw from the race and forfeit the points earned. Although she won the Pro Women division at Hyrox Beijing, she chose to continue the race despite her condition and did not request to be removed from the competition by the organizers. Opinions were divided, with some praising her determination and others criticizing her lack of consideration for public hygiene and the impact on other participants.

Hyrox defended her actions, followed up with an apology to those affected, and reportedly refunded participants. Wietrzyk's full apology emphasized her responsibility for her decision, reflecting on her actions, and choosing to take time for recovery and self-care.