The buzz is building in Chicago as HYROX launched its biggest-ever World Championships with its official press conference, setting the tone for an unforgettable weekend of elite fitness racing.
Major Announcements: New Venues and Olympic Aspirations
Seven Elite Racing Cities for 2025
HYROX founders Christian Tötzke and Moritz Fürste unveiled an ambitious calendar for elite competitions next season, including four major and three regional events:
- Majors:
- Hamburg, Germany (HQ, new elite-racing venue)
- Melbourne, Australia
- Phoenix, Arizona (USA)
- Warsaw, Poland
- Hamburg, Germany (HQ, new elite-racing venue)
- Regionals (passport-based eligibility):
- London
- Brisbane
- Washington, D.C.
- London
Each major offers 3 World Championship slots, while regionals offer 1 – only for athletes holding a passport from that region. This change aims to encourage global representation and streamline the path to the Worlds
Olympic Vision for 2032
HYROX is actively positioning the sport for inclusion in the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, building toward a consistent, spectator-friendly race format. New “elite halls” at events will mirror Olympic standards with enhanced filming and atmosphere.
Athlete Insights: Stories of Grit, Growth, and Rivalry
Hunter McIntyre: The OG
Aiming for his fourth world title, Hunter brought energy and swagger:
“If you show up not believing you can be a world champion, you’ve already lost.”
He shared that HYROX has completely transformed from being filmed on iPhones to elite global competitions.
Alex Roncevic: The Defending Champion
A six-time Worlds veteran, Alex reflected on his journey from swimmer to full-time HYROX pro:
“I wanted this in my 20s. Now I’m in my 30s, but I’m going for it.”
Jake Dearden: The Rising Star
Jake is the youngest in the male Elite 15 and embodies HYROX’s accessibility:
“You can train for all-around fitness and stand beside the best. That’s powerful.”
[wpcode id=”229888″]Despite injuries this season, he’s aiming high and already inspiring the community.
Elite Women: Power, Progress, and Possibility
Lauren Weeks: The Legacy Builder
Going for her fourth world title, Lauren reflected on HYROX’s evolution from 25 spectators to 6,000 athletes:
“We all have an opportunity to shape the sport.”
She also discussed racing during pregnancy, saying she knows it’s controversial but she believes in continuing to move. She’s also sure it helped her postpartum recovery and showed others what’s possible.
Emily Darnham: From Volunteer to Finalist
Emily’s journey is the ultimate underdog story – from chopping up apples at a HYROX race in Rotterdam to give to athletes as they crossed the finish line, to qualifying for Worlds:
Joanna Wietrzyk: Tennis Pro Turned HYROX Dominator
With an elite tennis background, Joanna’s debut season has been dominant. She manifested being a professional athlete – she just didn’t know it would be in HYROX.
Vivian Tofuto: The Community’s Heart
She considered faking an injury at her first race. Now Vivian races sub-60 minutes:
“It’s about racing yourself. The more time you put in, the more you get out.”
Rivalries and Reflections
- Men’s Field: Deep, strategic, and “juicy” as Hunter says. Everyone from newcomers to veterans is ready to clash.
- Women’s Field: Arguably the most competitive ever. Younger athletes like Emily and Joanna are pushing veterans like Lauren to new heights.
- Mental Toughness: All athletes emphasized mindset, with Hunter declaring:
“There’s nothing sexier than being a champion.”
The Road Ahead
With the new elite-only setups, global city expansion, and the Olympic dream on the horizon, HYROX is redefining what it means to compete in functional fitness.
