Australian HYROX athlete and fitness coach Joanna Wietrzyk is at the centre of an online debate after an extraordinary incident during the HYROX Beijing race on September 12, 2026. Wietrzyk, who was competing in the Women’s Pro division, reportedly experienced bowel incontinence during the demanding fitness competition. Rather than stopping, she continued racing and eventually completed the event in 1:01:23.
The incident quickly attracted attention after photos and videos circulated on social media, appearing to show Wietrzyk continuing through parts of the course, including burpee broad jumps. Reports also suggested that the incident affected sections of the course and equipment used by athletes who competed after her.
