They came, they saw, they HYROX’d.
Our crew spent a weekend in Chicago, where over 4,500 elite athletes converged at Navy Pier for the HYROX World Championships—the global finals for the top 1% of HYROXers hyrox.comeverythingcrossfit.com. Believe it or not, 600,000+ people worldwide competed in HYROX this season boxlifemagazine.comhyrox.com, with some estimates up to 650,000. It’s fitness’s Greatest Show on Earth.
HYROX 101: What the heck is it?
HYROX combines eight 1 km runs with eight functional fitness stations:
- SkiErg
- Sled push
- Sled pull
- Burpee broad jump
- Rowing
- Farmers carry
- Lunges
- Wall ball
Each segment must be completed to a strict standard (think chest-to-ground burpees and knee-on-floor lunges), before heading off on the next run.
Aussie Legends Shine
| Name | Category | Result | Why They Stand Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joanna Wietrzyk | Elite 15 Women | 2nd | Aussie sweetheart; roared from rookie to podium in just 12 months |
| James “JK” Kelly | Elite 15 Men | 4th | Humble battler—always first to support teammates post-race |
| Sue Rogers (Brisbane) | Age 60–64 | 2nd (World) | “Holiday” in Chicago turned golden with silver finish |
| Rosa Sanchez (Mexico) | Age 75–79 | 1st (World) | At 75, proving you’re never too old to HYROX |
| Debbie Leahy (Vic) | Age 71 | Podium Energy | Fluoro-clad and feared no kilometre |
By the Numbers
- Global participants:
From ~650 at its 2017 German debut to ~175,000 in 2023–24, now projected 425,000 for 2024–25 - Events held:
45 (2022/23), to ~65 (2023/24), to ~85 planned for 2024/25 - Training network:
Over 5,000 affiliated HYROX training gyms worldwide (+260% YoY growth)
Why People Love It
- Accessible for all – from grandmas to Gen Z, HYROX throws events globally in over 18 countries
- Community over competition – grassroots support is the soul of the sport; cheering, hugs and shared sweat
- Elite platform too – “Elite 15” ranks the top global athletes; Aussies dominate with grace and grit
Final Word?
HYROX isn’t just another fitness fad—it’s a global movement. As Aussies smashed sleds and podiums in Chicago, it’s clear that the future is sleek, sweaty and shared. If you’ve ever dreamt of running, lifting and sharing a community hug post-race, HYROX is your jam.
