Hyrox CEO Confirms Categories to Separate Elite from Everyday Athletes

BREAKING: Hyrox cofounder and CEO, Christian Toetzke, has just announced that the viral fitness competition is designed with specific categories to prevent elite athletes from competing against everyday participants. In a revealing episode of the “Opening Bid” podcast released on October 25, 2023, Toetzke emphasized the importance of separating the “Greek statues” from “normal people.”

With over 80 Hyrox events planned for 2025 and more than 550,000 participants expected globally, the competition has gained immense popularity since its inception in 2017 in Germany. Toetzke stated that the structure of the competition intentionally categorizes participants into “open” and “pro” divisions. The pro category is tailored for those with superior fitness levels, requiring heavier weights and more rigorous performance.

Toetzke explained, “That was on purpose. So the guys that look like Greek statues — or the girls — they sign up for the pro division, which is much harder because you have to move much heavier weights around.” He further clarified that separating men and women into different competitions allows participants to feel more comfortable competing alongside others with similar fitness levels.

Hyrox requires competitors to navigate through eight functional workout stations, running a kilometer between each. These stations challenge participants with exercises such as sled pushes, burpee broad jumps, wall balls, and sandbag lunges.

Tickets for Hyrox events are experiencing unprecedented demand, with potential participants comparing the difficulty of securing them to obtaining tickets for major events like Glastonbury or Taylor Swift’s concerts. Pricing for tickets hovers around $110, making access competitive and desirable.

In an ambitious move, Toetzke announced plans to present a proposal to the International Olympic Committee in hopes of making Hyrox an official Olympic sport by the 2032 Games in Brisbane, Australia. He stated passionately, “Gym fitness has to be represented at the Olympic Games.”

As Hyrox continues to expand and attract a diverse range of fitness enthusiasts, the latest developments suggest a growing community focused on inclusivity and competitive spirit. With the anticipation building around upcoming events, Hyrox’s innovative approach to fitness competition is set to redefine the landscape of athletic challenges.

Stay tuned for more updates on Hyrox’s journey as it seeks to elevate fitness competition to new heights.