India, Sept. 17 -- Australian HYROX athlete Joanna Wietrzyk has apologised after defecating during a race in Beijing, but continued competing and went on to win. The incident prompted criticism online, with users questioning why she remained on the track after becoming unwell. Wietrzyk has since said she regrets not stepping away and has decided to forfeit the points she earned.

Wietrzyk addressed the controversy in a personal statement shared on social media, apologising to those affected by what happened during the race.

"I want to offer my sincere apology to the people of China, my fellow competitors, the spectators and the HYROX organisers for what happened during the race in Beijing," she wrote.

The athlete said she felt healthy w...