Australian HYROX athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has apologized after an unusual incident during a race in Beijing sparked widespread discussion online. Wietrzyk experienced a sudden loss of bowel control during the September 12 event but decided to continue competing and ultimately won the women’s solo race in 61 minutes and 23 seconds. In a statement shared on Instagram, she said she regretted not stepping away from the course and apologized to fellow competitors, spectators, organizers and people in China for the disruption caused. Wietrzyk explained that she felt completely healthy before the race and did not expect the incident to happen. She said she now recognizes that she should have made a different decision and accepted responsibility for continuing. Her latest message marks a significant change from her earlier response, when she had appeared determined to focus on the achievement itself despite the criticism surrounding the race.

Wietrzyk has now decided to retroactively withdraw from the Beijing event and forfeit the points she earned, saying she plans to take time away from the attention to recover and reflect with her family. The controversy has also prompted HYROX China to propose changes to the competition rules, including clearer guidance for situations involving serious physical discomfort or potential health risks during an event. Organizers have indicated that future rules may address course management, event interruptions and how results should be handled in unusual circumstances. HYROX has also urged members of its community not to direct anger toward athletes, particularly after reports of abusive messages and threats appeared online. The organization said people making threats or encouraging harm could be permanently banned from HYROX events. Wietrzyk, meanwhile, said she is learning from the experience and emphasized that there is more to life than racing and knowing when it is appropriate to step away.