Joanna Wietrzyk gives up HYROX Beijing points after winning
Joanna Wietrzyk finished HYROX Beijing despite becoming unwell. She has now apologised, and the sport has changed its rules.
Events: 12 Sept 2026
Sources checked:
Development date:
Sources: 5 traceable sources
About the editorial teamEditorial standardsSuggest a correction
She crossed the line a winner. Now she is giving up the points. On 17 September 2026, Joanna Wietrzyk announced she would retroactively withdraw from HYROX Beijing and forfeit her points. The Australian apologised for continuing after becoming unwell during the race.
What happened in Beijing?
During the 12 September race, Wietrzyk became unwell and lost bowel control, but continued and finished first. According to ABC's report, the use of shared equipment also put the organisers' response at the centre of the debate. HYROX alternates eight one-kilometre runs with eight workout stations, including sled pushes and rowing.
When can a racer be stopped?
Section 12.3 of the current HYROX rulebook allows a Race Director to withdraw a racer when blood, vomit, urine or faeces poses a welfare or contamination risk. The result is recorded as DNF — Did Not Finish. This does not mean automatic disqualification whenever an athlete becomes unwell.
Wietrzyk's announced decision to give up her points should therefore be distinguished from an official disqualification: her statement does not establish the latter.
Related reading: the latest Athletics and Running stories.
