Key Takeaways
- Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk apologised for continuing the Hyrox race after soiling herself.
- Wietrzyk forfeited her points and withdrew from the race, recognising her mistake.
- Hyrox co-founder Moritz Furste apologised and acknowledged the company's failure to react promptly.
Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has apologised for continuing to compete in the Hyrox indoor fitness race in Beijing despite soiling herself, sparking a public outcry over health and safety concerns.
Wietrzyk, a 23-year-old world record holder, finished the race with excrement on her legs and shoes, using the mats and equipment, which went viral on social media.
In a statement on Instagram, Wietrzyk expressed her regret and acknowledged that she should have withdrawn from the race, saying, 'I felt completely fit and healthy at the start of the race, with no reason to expect any illness. Looking back, I regret the decision to not have stepped off the track.'
I want to offer my sincere apology to the people of China, my fellow competitors, the spectators and the Hyrox organisers for what happened during the race in Beijing.
Joanna Wietrzyk, Australian athlete
Hyrox made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race.
Moritz Furste, Hyrox co-founder
