Australian athlete wins Hyrox Beijing despite fecal incontinence mid-race, stirring controversy

An Australian athlete who suffered fecal incontinence during a Hyrox fitness competition in Beijing but pushed through to win has stirred controversy online.

According to Hong Kong outlet HK01, Joanna Witrzyk, an elite competitor from Australia, took part in the women's pro category at the Hyrox Beijing event on Saturday. She experienced fecal incontinence during the fourth segment of the race — the burpee broad jump — but did not stop, completing the course in 1 hour and 1 minute to claim first place.

Video footage showing Witrzyk continuing the burpee broad jump and other segments with fecal matter visible on her legs and across the course spread widely on Chinese social media that day.

The finish sparked divided reactions online.

Some praised Witrzyk for pushing through despite the difficult circumstances, while others criticized her for continuing, noting that other competitors had to use the same course and equipment.

Some observers pointed to competition rules that prohibit and penalize acts such as spitting, questioning why Hyrox had not intervened. Others argued that a competitor who is physically unwell should withdraw out of consideration for fellow participants.

Witrzyk rebuffed the criticism, posting on her social media: "A win is a win."

The response drew further backlash in her comments section, with participants writing "feces is feces," "please apologize to the other competitors," and "I will no longer compete in Hyrox events."

As the controversy grew, Hyrox China said on its official social media account that it "immediately closed off and isolated the affected area and course upon the incident."

The organizer added that it would "replace the carpet and thoroughly clean and disinfect the entire venue after the event," and pledged to "do its utmost to provide a safe and positive competition experience for all participants."