Joanna Wietrzyk
Australian athlete (born 2002)
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Joanna Wietrzyk (born 7 June 2002) is an Australian professional athlete and fitness coach. She is the current women's solo professional Hyrox world record holder and was the first Australian woman to qualify for the sport's elite competitive tier, the Elite 15 Series.
Wietrzyk became the subject of international media attention in September 2026 following a public health controversy during a race in Beijing, China, which led to global rule changes within the sport.[1]
Career
Wietrzyk has a background in CrossFit, athletics, and bodybuilding, and was a national-level tennis and netball player before beginning endurance racing. She discovered Hyrox while working as an F45 Training coach. She became the first Australian female athlete to qualify for the sport's elite competitive tier, the Elite 15 Series.[2]
On 12 September 2026, Wietrzyk competed in the Hyrox Beijing event held at the National Speed Skating Oval in China. During the fourth functional workout station – the burpee broad jumps – she experienced an acute episode of faecal incontinence. Instead of dropping out, she continued the competition. She ultimately won the event.[3] The incident sparked a massive global debate on social media regarding biological safety, competitor health, and athletic etiquette in indoor arenas, with fellow competitors stating that others slipped on the contaminated track. Following criticism regarding the contamination of communal race lanes, Hyrox co-founder Moritz Fürste issued a public apology, stating the organisation "made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race."[1][4] Following the event, online harassment directed at Wietrzyk prompted coach Chris Bayens to speak out against personal attacks targeting the athlete.[5][6][7] Following the event, she chose to "retroactively withdraw" from the race and forfeit her victory.[8]