There’s a long history of athletes pooing themselves mid-race

Guardian journalism is independent. We earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more.

There’s a long history of athletes pooing themselves mid-race

TL;DR

  • Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk apologized for soiling herself during a Hyrox race in Beijing.
  • Approximately 60% to 90% of endurance athletes report gastrointestinal symptoms during training or competition.
  • Symptoms range from bloating and cramping to diarrhea and, in rare cases, loss of bowel control.
  • High-intensity events like marathons and Hyrox create conditions for gastrointestinal distress.
  • Numerous public incidents involving athletes have been documented over the past three decades, including marathon winners and Olympic athletes.
  • Exercise-induced gastrointestinal syndrome has been recognized for a century and may have plagued athletes since the ancient Olympics.
  • Factors contributing to gut issues include blood diversion to muscles, reduced intestinal absorption, dehydration, mechanical jostling, and the gut-brain axis.
  • Prevention strategies include avoiding unfamiliar foods, staying hydrated, managing heat exposure, and training the gut to tolerate nutrients during exercise.
  • Most GI symptoms are mild and transient, but persistent or severe issues warrant professional medical attention.