From BBC Sport · · 2m
Hyrox's Olympic bid threatens triathlon's future
World Triathlon's partnership with fitness craze Hyrox could give it Olympic eligibility, but athletes fear it will overshadow their established sport.
In brief
World Triathlon's partnership with fitness craze Hyrox could give it Olympic eligibility, but athletes fear it will overshadow their established sport. World Triathlon partnered with Hyrox, making it an Olympic-eligible discipline, but triathlon athletes worry resources and sponsorship will shift away from their…
World Triathlon backs Hyrox
World Triathlon announced a partnership with Hyrox, the fitness craze combining running with exercise stations. Hyrox becomes a recognised discipline within World Triathlon.
Olympic eligibility on the table
As a recognised discipline under an international federation, Hyrox could be eligible for inclusion at the Olympics and Paralympics. It is too late for Los Angeles 2028.
Athletes blindsided by announcement
British triathlete Max Stapley found out about the partnership on Instagram. He said World Triathlon gave athletes no early notification or communication before the announcement.
“We don't even get an early notification, we found out on Instagram”
Stapley questions World Triathlon's respect
Stapley accused World Triathlon of not caring about its athletes. He said the governing body did not contact athletes to ask what they thought about the partnership.
“They have no respect for us”
World Triathlon defends the process
A World Triathlon spokesperson said the Executive Board approved the partnership and includes athlete representatives elected by their peers. The announcement followed standard procedures.
Stapley calls it an attack on triathlon
Stapley called the move an attack on triathlon's existence. He fears World Triathlon will direct resources towards Hyrox's Olympic ambition at the expense of his sport.
“How does Hyrox grow triathlon? If anything they've killed triathlon”
Sponsorship and visibility concerns
Stapley said sponsorships have reduced because there is no visibility on television and triathlon requires payment to watch. Brands may prefer to invest in Hyrox athletes before potential Olympic inclusion.
Evans warns of uncertainty
Sophie Evans, who won gold at the Commonwealth Games mixed relay in Birmingham in 2022, said triathlon is an established Olympic sport for twenty-six years but the partnership introduces uncertainty.
Hyrox participation surges
Founded in 2017, Hyrox has grown rapidly. One point five million athletes participated in the 2025/26 season, up from 650,000 the year before, with participation projected to surpass two million.
British Triathlon awaits clarity
British Triathlon, a World Triathlon national federation, recognises the work to grow multisport but is waiting to hear the full operational, governance and commercial framework for the partnership.
At a glance
World Triathlon partnered with Hyrox, making it an Olympic-eligible discipline, but triathlon athletes worry resources and sponsorship will shift away from their sport.
