What 'Hyrox' really stands for as organisation admits ‘mistake’ after athlete soiled herself

With Hyrox back in the headlines, people are once again questioning what its unique name actually means.

For those who missed it, Australian Hyrox athlete Joanna Wietrzyk sparked a debate this week after she continued to push through her race in Beijing over the weekend, despite soiling herself after losing control of her bowels.

Footage circulated of the 24-year-old, who currently holds the women's Hyrox world record, lifting weights, running, and making her way around the track, with faecal matter smeared on her legs.

Following online backlash over the hygiene issues the athlete's determined move created, Hyrox organisers have issued a few different statements on the matter.

The company's co-founder Moritz Fürste wrote on Monday (14 September): "I need to address all of you directly concerning the recent events in China. I apologise to all that were directly or indirectly affected, as well as to everyone who felt like we did not handle the situation like we should have. HYROX made a mistake by not reacting immediately during the race."

Joanna Wietrzyk sparked controversy this week as she pushed through her race after soiling herself (VCG/Getty Images)

He continued: "In the end, it is my job to foresee these potential incidents - and I did not. Of course, we started improving event processes, plus making rulebook changes immediately. As of this moment, there are new rules and procedures in place to prevent situations like this from happening again. We learn and try to get better everyday."

Hyrox also spoke out against the hate Wietrzyk has been subjected to, writing that the 'frustration should never be directed towards the athletes themselves' as 'they are the people who put themselves on the line, compete at the highest level and make competition what it is'.

What is Hyrox?

Figures show that Hyrox has shown rapid growth ever since it was introduced back in 2017.

As per Sky News, there's been a whopping 100-per-cent year-on-year increase in participation and more than 1.3 million people are set to take part over 100 events in the 2025/26 season.

For those unfamiliar, a Hyrox is a fitness race that combines both running and functional workout stations, where participants run 1km, followed by one functional workout station, repeated eight times.

The workout stations include sled pulls and pushes, sandbag lunges, farmers carry, 1000m SkiErg, burpee broad jumps, rowing and wall balls.

Hyrox has been increasing in popularity within the past few years (HYROX)

While anyone can take part, it's a seriously demanding race, meaning training is essential.

As we say though, since Hyrox is a relatively new concept, there have been swirling conversations around what its name actually means.

What does Hyrox stand for?

There's a widespread social media rumour that the name 'Hyrox' actually stands for something completely unexpected - 'Hybrid rockstar'.

An Instagram influencer, who posts under the username @lavenderbaj, shared a video earlier this year where she said people should start using the event's 'full legal name in 2026'.

She said: "If you do Hyrox and you want to talk about it, you have to go around calling yourself a hybrid rockstar, and let's see how many people start post about it, because that's cringe."

However, it's important to note that it's not been confirmed that this is the actual name, despite widespread speculation.

A spokesperson for Hyrox clarified to Tyla that it's 'just an internet rumour' and 'HYROX has never disclosed what it stands for'.

However, that hasn't stopped the 'hybrid rockstar' theory spreading like wildfire and dividing opinion among fitness fanatics.

The founders have actually never revealed what the name means (HYROX)

One Instagram user wrote in the comments of the post: "The day I found out the full name I threw up for a good 25 minutes. That’s the cringiest thing ever."

While a second joked: "My rule is whenever I see a post about Hyrox I ask what the name means. Making them say it is so rewarding."

A third penned: "Imagine having to explain the term hybrid rockstar to your grandparents."

And a fourth brutally quipped: "Imagine calling yourself a hybrid rockstar," alongside a sick emoji.

However, others are a fan of the theory, writing: "Already updated my email signature to 3x hybrid rockstar…" and "Personally I’ll be proud to be a hybrid rockstar! Don’t take yourself too seriously."

"I might do one just so I can call myself a Hybrid Rockstar," admitted someone else.

The whole 'hybrid rockstar' theory has divided opinion (HYROX)

While another person claimed: "Ugh, here we are again. Hyrox does not stand for Hybrid Rockstar never has. I promise you Google and AI are wrong. In fact Hyrox hates the term Hybrid as it doesn't translate well into different languages.

"The original name was Curox and had to be changed for legal reasons. The HY was then added just cause it sounded good."

Another claimed: "Doesn’t actually mean hybrid rockstar… The founders said it means nothing which may or not be worse lol."

While someone else said: "Hyrox is a play on the words ‘high’ and ‘oxygen’ as stated by the owners. Hybrid rockstar is internet propaganda. FYI."

Until the founders reveal their secrets, I guess we'll never know!