World Triathlon’s partnership with Hyrox has prompted concern among triathletes about the sport’s future and whether the fitness racing format could compete for attention and a place at a future Olympic Games. The agreement recognises Hyrox as a discipline within World Triathlon, potentially making it eligible for Olympic and Paralympic inclusion. It is too late for Los Angeles 2028.
British triathletes Max Stapley and Sophie Evans said they were surprised by the announcement and felt athletes had not been adequately informed. Stapley said he learned about it through Instagram, while Evans said she was not opposed to Hyrox joining World Triathlon but was concerned by how the news was delivered.
World Triathlon said its Executive Board approved the partnership and includes elected representatives from the Athletes’ Committee. The organisation added that athlete representatives take part in board discussions and that the announcement followed its usual procedures.
Some athletes remain unsure what the agreement means in practice. European champion Roksana Slupek said she wanted to understand the benefits for triathlon. Stapley described the move as a threat to the sport’s existence, arguing that Hyrox could attract resources and sponsorship while offering a different format, without swimming or cycling.
World Triathlon says the partnership is intended to benefit its wider movement by engaging new athletes and audiences and supporting multisport at all levels. It also said triathlon will remain central to its work and that it is planning for Brisbane 2032. Hyrox referred BBC Sport to World Triathlon’s statements when asked for comment.
Olympic bronze medallist Sam Dickinson said the partnership could make sense as a way to encourage participation, but added that key details were still unclear. World Triathlon already oversees disciplines including aquathlon and duathlon. “Fitness Racing” was added to its constitution as a discipline in October 2025, with support from most of its national federations.
Hyrox, founded in 2017, recorded 1.5 million participants during the 2025/26 season, up from 650,000 the previous year. Participation is projected to exceed two million in the current season. British Triathlon said it recognised World Triathlon’s efforts to develop the sport and its community, but was waiting for more information about the partnership’s operational, governance and commercial framework.
Sources: BBC Sport.