HYROX slammed for allowing Aussie athlete Joanna Wietrzyk to continue – and win – after defecating during race

HYROX organisers have refused to apologise after facing an onslaught of controversy for allowing an Aussie athlete to finish – and win – an event in China despite defecating during the race.

Launched in Germany in 2017, HYROX exploded into a massive global fitness craze that sees thousands of gym fanatics compete in a closed, indoor circuit race that tests their strength and endurance.

Unlike marathons or obstacle course races, every HYROX course layout and workout is identical worldwide which allows athletes to compare their exact finish times against a global leader board.

Over the weekend, the fitness event garnered intense scrutiny for allowing a controversial finish at the HYROX Beijing fitness race.

Current world no.1 in the women’s singles division, Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk was competing in the Women’s Pro division, when she soiled herself during the race.

In footage that has since gone viral, Ms Wietrzyk is seen competing in the race with faecal matter smeared across her arms and legs.

The incident did not appear to slow her down, with the 22-year-old going on to continue the race, and win.

After the race, the athlete and fitness coach shared a selfie from a hospital bed with the message: “Go hard or go home they say ... a win is a win.”

It’s sparked a torrent of outrage, with questions raised over the Melbourne local’s decision to continue in such a state and the organisers lack of action in halting her race.

“She literally has s*** dripping down her arms… where is the respect for competition,” one person wrote, with another arguing: “she should have been disqualified.”