Joanna, HYROX Athlete Who Experienced Severe Diarrhea, Claims Victory in Germany After Six-Week Comeback - Thairath English

"Joanna," a HYROX athlete who once suffered severe diarrhea, has won in Germany after returning to competition.

Joanna Wietersik, a 24-year-old Australian athlete from Melbourne, made a grand return to HYROX by winning the HYROX Hamburg event in Germany, the first competition of the 2026-27 HYROX Elite 15 Series season. This was her first race after a six-week break.

Looking back to last month's Beijing competition, the professional female world record holder faced heavy online criticism after a video circulated showing her forcing herself to run to the finish line first despite suffering severe diarrhea that stained her legs. Although she crossed the finish line first, Joanna ultimately withdrew from the competition, forfeiting her accumulated points and issuing a public apology.

The controversy deeply affected her mental health, even leading her to consider quitting the sport. However, after taking time off, stepping away from social media, and receiving close support from her family, she returned to competition and delivered an outstanding performance to claim victory.

Joanna's next major event will be the HYROX Elite Series in London, scheduled from 3 to 6 December.

HYROX is a global fitness competition combining an 8-kilometer run with eight functional workout stations designed to test both strength and endurance.