HYROX co-founder admits organisers failed to act immediately during Beijing incontinence incident
HYROX co-founder Moritz Fürste has apologised over the organisation’s handling of an athlete’s faecal incontinence incident at a Beijing race, admitting it failed to react immediately and saying new rules and procedures have since been introduced.
HYROX co-founder Moritz Fürste has apologised for the organisation’s handling of an athlete’s faecal incontinence incident during a HYROX fitness race in Beijing, admitting that organisers failed to react immediately during the event.
Fürste said on Instagram that the incident in China had affected people directly and indirectly, including those who felt HYROX had not handled the situation appropriately.
“HYROX made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race,” Fürste said, taking personal responsibility for failing to anticipate the possibility of such an incident.
The apology follows widespread discussion over Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk, who reportedly experienced faecal incontinence during the Beijing event but continued competing and completed her race.
HYROX's earlier response
One day before Fürste’s statement, HYROX issued a public statement acknowledging that the incident had exposed uncertainty in how its procedures were applied.
The organisation said it had existing procedures covering biocontaminants and medical situations, but that protocols intended for elite competition and mass participation had become blurred in this case.
HYROX said this created ambiguity over how the procedures should be understood and applied, while acknowledging that the situation had prompted frustration and questions within its community.
The organisation also said organisers had a responsibility to examine what happened and continue improving their procedures.
Fürste subsequently said HYROX had begun making changes to its event processes and rulebook immediately following the incident.
“As of this moment, there are new rules and procedures in place to prevent situations like this from happening again,” he said.
HYROX also said it would continue learning from the incident and improving its event operations.
Threats against athlete
HYROX’s earlier statement also addressed the backlash directed towards the athlete involved.
The organisation said concerns and criticism over the incident were legitimate, but stressed that frustration should not be directed at athletes through threats of violence or encouragement to cause harm.
HYROX said anyone identified as engaging in such behaviour through comments, direct messages or social media would be permanently banned from all HYROX events.
The organiser said it was reviewing and identifying those responsible.
The earlier incident
Wietrzyk reportedly experienced faecal incontinence while competing at the HYROX Beijing event and continued through the course despite the incident.
Images and videos circulated online showing her continuing through different stations, prompting debate over whether completing the race demonstrated determination or created hygiene concerns for other competitors.
HYROX China previously said the affected area and lanes were isolated and disinfected, while relevant equipment was removed and replaced.
It also said waste was disposed of according to municipal standards and that the venue flooring would be replaced and deep-cleaned after the competition.
