Hyrox athlete sparks debate for continuing race after soiling herself

An athlete's Hyrox performance has sparked debate after completing a race in Beijing despite soiling herself midway through the event.

Footage of the woman competing in the indoor fitness competition despite her soiled legs has gone viral, with some people raising concerns around hygiene and others saluting her resolve to push through. Some also criticised race organisers for letting her to continue.

Hyrox said they launched a "major cleanup operation" after the event on Saturday, including by sanitising equipment and replacing sections of the carpet.

The German fitness company acknowledged the "legitimate concerns" but urged people not to direct their frustration at the athlete herself.

The company did not reveal the woman's identity, but it was revealed online and she subsequently received threats of violence.

"There is no place in our community for threats of violence or encouragement to harm an athlete," Hyrox said in a statement early on Monday.

"Any person identified as engaging in this behaviour – whether through comments, direct messages or social media – will be permanently banned from all Hyrox events," it said.

Some participants in the same event had demanded an apology and a refund, arguing that they were forced to come into contact with contaminated equipment, Chinese media reported.