Joanna Wietrzyk apologised for continuing the Beijing Hyrox race after developing diarrhoea. The controversy prompted new contamination rules as she prepared to return in Hamburg.For Wietrzyk, the Beijing race turned into an experience that extended far beyond the competition itself.

Australian endurance athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has admitted that she made the wrong decision by continuing to compete after suffering a bout of diarrhoea during a Hyrox race in Beijing, acknowledging that her actions put other participants at risk.The 24-year-old, who holds a world record in the fitness sport, said her determination to win had clouded her judgement during the September competition. The incident attracted widespread attention after images showing faecal matter on her body and parts of the race course circulated online, triggering a storm of criticism.Speaking to BBC ahead of her return to competition in Hamburg on Friday, Wietrzyk accepted responsibility for carrying on despite her condition and apologised to those affected."It was my decision to continue racing so I take full responsibility for that," she said.

Asked why she did not stop, she acknowledged that her competitive instincts had taken over and prevented her from considering the potential consequences for others."I didn't really think about those around me the decision that I made in hindsight was the wrong decision and I'm truly sorry for everyone that I did affect." The athlete described the incident and the reaction that followed as "traumatic", revealing that she had even considered walking away from the sport altogether. However, after weeks of reflection, she has decided to return, hoping the episode will not overshadow her achievements.WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE BEIJING RACE?Wietrzyk was competing in a Hyrox event in Beijing in September when she suddenly developed gastrointestinal problems roughly halfway through the race.

She later revealed that she had suffered a bacterial infection linked to food poisoning. Despite this, she had felt physically prepared before the competition began."It wasn't until about halfway through the race where everything did transpire...

In that moment, right then and there, as a very competitive person and an elite athlete that I am, my only focus is on racing."Hyrox competitions combine running with a series of physically demanding exercises. Participants alternate between running one kilometre and completing workouts such as sled pushes, burpee broad jumps, indoor rowing and sandbag lunges.

The format has grown rapidly in popularity since the competition was founded in Hamburg, Germany, in 2017. Events are now organised across several countries.For Wietrzyk, the Beijing race turned into an experience that extended far beyond the competition itself.Images of the incident spread rapidly across social media, exposing the athlete to intense public scrutiny.

She eventually apologised, announced that she would forfeit her victory and withdrew her result from the race retrospectively.HYROX APOLOGISES, INTRODUCES NEW RULESThe incident also raised questions about the organisers' response and whether officials should have intervened while Wietrzyk was still competing. The athlete said nobody had encouraged her to leave the course at the time.

However, Hyrox co-founder Moritz Furste subsequently acknowledged that the organisers should have acted sooner.Furste issued an apology, admitting that failing to intervene immediately had been a mistake.The organisation has since introduced new rules empowering race directors to remove participants if bodily fluids, including vomit, urine or faeces, create a contamination risk or threaten the safety and welfare of competitors. The changes are particularly relevant to Hyrox events, which are largely conducted indoors and involve participants using shared equipment and facilities.Hyrox China has also reportedly refunded entry fees to some competitors who took part in the Beijing event.

The organisation had earlier warned that anyone directing abuse or threats towards Wietrzyk would face bans from future competitions.HYROX RETURN AFTER WEEKS OF REFLECTIONWietrzyk is now preparing to compete in Hamburg on Friday, marking her return to the sport after the Beijing controversy. She admitted feeling nervous about stepping back onto the course, particularly with the incident likely to remain fresh in the minds of spectators and fellow competitors."I don't want it to become my identity," she said.The athlete also spoke about the intense mindset that often drives elite competitors, explaining how the pursuit of victory can sometimes overshadow other considerations."They're so hyper-vigilant on winning and doing the best that they can, putting their training to good use and showcasing their fitness to the world," she said.Despite considering retirement, she remains determined to continue competing and believes the experience could eventually help her connect with others facing difficult moments in their sporting careers.- Ends