He Left Her Behind. That’s Not Fitness, That’s Failure.

Author

The Coach
July 08, 2025

OPINION: HYROX markets itself as the ultimate test of strength, grit, and endurance. But over the weekend in Sydney, it was also a test of character. And one dude failed miserably, in our opinion.

In a video that’s gone viral faster than a TikTok ab challenge, a competitor kept grinding out wall balls while his girlfriend and teammate lay twitching on the floor, unconscious. This HYROX competitor left his partner. Unconscious. Paramedics rushed in. He asked a judge if he needed her to finish. When told he technically didn’t, he just kept going, finishing the race without her.

Mate. What are you doing?

People online are divided. Some are defending him, saying she was in the capable hands of medics, that he “couldn’t do anything”. Others, rightly, are disgusted. Because here’s the thing: Fitness is about more than physical capability. It’s about discipline, resilience, and yes, loyalty.

Imagine training together for months, pushing through dark mornings, injuries, stress, then when the chips are down, your partner crumples, and you… keep doing fucking wall balls?

Let’s be clear: this isn’t about gender. It doesn’t matter if it was his girlfriend, a random teammate, or his best mate, you don’t leave someone behind. Not ever. Especially not for a personal record on a functional fitness race.

The woman herself later commented online that her first words were, “Did you finish it for us, and what time did we get?” Admirable, sure. But this shouldn’t let him off the hook. Her acceptance doesn’t excuse his decision. When someone collapses under your watch, your priority is them, not your leaderboard position.

And to those defending him, ask yourself: what would you want your mate, partner, or son to do in that moment? Stand by you, or abandon you for their own result?

Fitness is about building a stronger version of yourself. But if that version sacrifices basic decency, what’s it worth?

HYROX can argue their rules all they want. The real rules are simple. Don’t leave people behind. Not in sport, not in life. Otherwise, you’re not fit. You’re just another weak man hiding behind a strong body.