PUBLISHED ONSeptember 17, 2026 3:26 PMBYLaili AbdeenAustralian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has issued a public apology following the faecal incontinence incident during Hyrox Beijing.
In an Instagram post on Thursday (Sept 17), Wietrzyk offered a "sincere apology" to the people of China, her fellow competitors, spectators and the Hyrox organizers for what happened during the race.
She explained how she felt "completely fit and healthy" at the start of the race and had no reason to expect to fall ill.
"Looking back, I regret the decision to not have stepped off the track. I take responsibility for my decision to continue and am deeply sorry for the discomfort and disruption it caused," wrote Wietrzyk.
She added that she will carry the lessons learned from this experience, including knowing "when it is right to step away" and remembering that there is "more to life than racing".
"On reflection, I have decided to retroactively withdraw from the race and forfeit the points I earned," she said.
She also thanked those who have stood by her during this time, including those who have reached out with kindness and support, and shared that she will be taking some time to reflect and recover "away from the noise".
Wietrzyk's apology follows an apology issued by Hyrox's co-founder Moritz Furste on Monday.
Addressing the incident, Furste wrote: "I apologise to all that were directly or indirectly affected, as well as to everyone who felt like we did not handle the situation like we should have.
"Hyrox made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race."
During the Beijing race, participant Wietrzyk competed in the age 16 to 24 elite event when she was suddenly taken ill.
Despite the incident, she was allowed to continue her race, winning with a time of one hour, one minute and 23 seconds.
The incident subsequently sparked hygiene concerns online, with many social media users pointing out that other participants had to use the same mats, handles and running tracks after Wietrzyk had used them.
Despite statements from both Hyrox and Furste, many netizens remain dissatisfied and called for Wietrzyk's disqualification.
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