I’d imagine an athlete doing this sort of thing in a more popular sport would face more criticism and ridicule. If anything, Hyrox being niche is probably saving her from a lot of attention and outrage.
“Organisers should assess whether such a situation could affect the health or wellbeing of other competitors,” he said.
Dr Li said this was particularly important because HYROX was an indoor event.
“Take a marathon as an example. If a competitor is menstruating, organisers would generally respect their decision to continue because a marathon is an outdoor event,” he said.
"They don’t share equipment with other competitors, so it generally doesn’t pose a public safety concern.
“But HYROX is an indoor event, where competitors share equipment. In that situation, I think the organisers should have staff step in and adjust the event, or take appropriate emergency measures.”
Outside during a marathon, you could make an argument. But inside, using equipment that everyone after you will also need to use, is a different story.
Yup. Apparently they also have to do some Nokia Snake shenanigans to make sure the entire course fits in the available space, so each person gets to experience it multiple times, to say nothing of the spotter who has to stay right by her while she’s doing the crossfit parts.
Maybe it’s unrealistic to expect the hyper-competitive athlete to pull herself out, but this should not have been a difficult call for the organization. I would also draw a distinction with menstruation, where the taboo is much less justifiable than the literal disease vector that loose stool is.
Yes, but they usually dont get it all over their legs, arms, and face while leaving trail behind them, nor smear shared equipment with it like a baboon’s art project.
I’d imagine an athlete doing this sort of thing in a more popular sport would face more criticism and ridicule. If anything, Hyrox being niche is probably saving her from a lot of attention and outrage.
Endurance athletes piss and shit themselves all the time.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-14/hyrox-beijing-backlash-after-athlete-soils-herself/107151004
Outside during a marathon, you could make an argument. But inside, using equipment that everyone after you will also need to use, is a different story.
This is the very obvious correct answer.
Yup. Apparently they also have to do some Nokia Snake shenanigans to make sure the entire course fits in the available space, so each person gets to experience it multiple times, to say nothing of the spotter who has to stay right by her while she’s doing the crossfit parts.
Maybe it’s unrealistic to expect the hyper-competitive athlete to pull herself out, but this should not have been a difficult call for the organization. I would also draw a distinction with menstruation, where the taboo is much less justifiable than the literal disease vector that loose stool is.
Yes, but they usually dont get it all over their legs, arms, and face while leaving trail behind them, nor smear shared equipment with it like a baboon’s art project.