Hyrox champion Joanna Wietrzyk wins Beijing race despite on‑course bowel leak

Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk, a 24‑year‑old former netball and tennis player, completed the women’s pro Hyrox event in Beijing and crossed the finish line first even after a bowel leak contaminated her arms, lower body and trainers. The incident was captured on video, went viral and raised biohazard concerns for other athletes and staff. After the race she was taken to a Beijing hospital and posted on Instagram reaffirming her “go hard or go home” attitude. Organisers closed the affected lanes, deep‑cleaned them and replaced the venue carpets, while some competitors have argued she should have paused, sparking a split in the Hyrox community.