Top 10 HYROX Athletes to Watch This Season

Some athletes come from swimming pools, while others excel on track lanes or obstacle courses.

All of them now face the HYROX challenge, a deceptively straightforward yet grueling event that combines running with functional workouts like sled pushes, rowing, and wall balls.

What started as a small fitness event in Germany has grown into an internationally standardized race series spanning five continents.

Each HYROX season attracts thousands of competitors, but only the top 15 men and women qualify for the Elite 15.

These top athletes face off in four HYROX Majors held in Amsterdam, Hong Kong, Glasgow, and Las Vegas.

The ultimate showdown occurs at the World Championship, which will take place this June in Chicago.

This year's competition has reached new levels of excitement with fresh faces entering the leaderboard, seasoned athletes defending their legacies, and unexpected twists unfolding at each event. Here are the top five men and women to watch in the HYROX 2025 season.

Men's Elite 15: Leading the Fitness Frontier

Alexander Roncevic – The Quiet Strategist

Austrian Alexander Roncevic, the current HYROX World Champion, is methodical and fast, with a time of 54:07.

He began the 2024/25 season with a win at the HYROX Amsterdam Major. Although he placed 6th in Hong Kong, he claimed the European Open title in Vienna.

With a history as a competitive swimmer logging 80–100 km each week, Roncevic now runs about 50 km weekly.

A school teacher in Vienna, he's known for his calm demeanor off the track and impeccable focus on it. “No matter my condition, I always compete to win,” he declares.

James "JK" Kelly – The Aussie Hunter

James Kelly, affectionately called the Aussie assassin, rose to prominence by winning the HYROX Hong Kong Major, outperforming notable competitors like Tim Wenisch and Hunter McIntyre.

With a personal record of 53:22 achieved in Glasgow 2025, Kelly's mantra is mastering the basics. “When the time is right, I’m ready to strike."

Behind his easygoing demeanor lies an intensely determined athlete focused on clinching victory.

Hunter McIntyre – The G.O.A.T Seeking Redemption

Hunter McIntyre boasts a world record (53:22) and three HYROX World Championships to his name. However, the 2025 season has been challenging.

After finishing 8th in Glasgow in what he calls his worst career performance, McIntyre remains determined to make a comeback. Known for his grit and competitive spirit, he’s a force to be reckoned with.

Jake Dearden – The Resilient Marathoner

Manchester’s Jake Dearden pushes the limits of hybrid athleticism, with a marathon PB of 2:28 and a HYROX best of 55:43.

After pulling out in Amsterdam and missing Hong Kong, he made a strong return in Las Vegas, securing 5th place. Dearden finally earned his World Championship spot in Glasgow.

Following rehab at Red Bull’s Athlete Performance Center, he’s back stronger than before and ready to prove himself.

Scott Dylan – The Comeback King

Scott Dylan’s perseverance shone through this season. After finishing last at the HYROX Amsterdam Major, he roared back to clinch victory at the Las Vegas Major with a time of 56:14.

Unpredictable but undeniably talented, Dylan thrives when overlooked, his motto being, “Don’t give up on me; it’s a mistake you’ll regret.”

Women's Elite 15: Powerhouse Performers

Lauren Weeks – The Legacy Athlete

With the most wins in HYROX history and a world record of 56:22, Lauren Weeks is a legend in the sport.

From competing while seven months pregnant to being cheered on by her daughter now, her career is inspiring. Despite an unexpected loss to Joana Wietrzyk in Hong Kong, she’s working hard to defend her legacy at the World Championship.

Megan Jacoby – The Champion Mentor

Reigning HYROX World Champion Megan Jacoby combines her natural speed (rooted in her NCAA track background) with strategic brilliance.

With a PB of 58:43 achieved in Amsterdam, Jacoby mentors rising talent Lucy Procter.

Her rivalry with Lauren Weeks continues to define the sport, and fans eagerly await their next face-off.

Joana Wietrzyk – The Shooting Star

Joana Wietrzyk’s meteoric rise is one of the 2025 season’s highlights. Transitioning from aspiring tennis pro to HYROX royalty in just three months, the Australian broke new ground with a PB of 56:48 in Glasgow, surpassing the prior world record.

Her victory over Lauren Weeks in Hong Kong cemented her as a frontrunner in the sport.

Ida Mathilde Steensgaard – From Obstacle Queen to HYROX Contender

A two-time champion in Obstacle Course Racing, Ida Mathilde Steensgaard has brought her grit and innovation to HYROX.

Known for designing one of the toughest playgrounds in the world, she placed 4th in Hong Kong with a time of 62:45. Her determination and adaptability make her a rising star to watch.

Lucy Procter – The Rising Prodigy

Two years ago, Lucy Procter had never heard of HYROX. Now she’s turning heads with a PB of 60:57 achieved at the Glasgow Major.

Under the mentorship of Megan Jacoby, Procter has shifted from casual running to elite-level fitness. Her endurance and determination are paving the way for a bright future.

The Road to the World Championships

The 2025 HYROX season has been a thrilling ride filled with comebacks, surprises, and rising stars.

With the World Championship in Chicago just around the corner, fans can expect intense competition, groundbreaking performances, and perhaps even unexpected upsets.

Will veterans reclaim their titles, or will new names cement their place in HYROX history? One thing is for sure: greatness awaits.

Want to catch all the action leading up to the big day? Check out the HYROX series Beyond the ROX, now streaming on Red Bull TV.

What is HYROX?

HYROX isn’t your typical fitness event. It’s a structured challenge combining eight 1km runs with functional workout stations such as sled pushes, rowing, burpees, and wall balls.

This standardized format creates a level playing field, offering a unique and demanding competition to test both power and endurance.

Source: redbull

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