WARNING: THIS ARTICLE CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

HYROX organisers have refused to apologise after facing an onslaught of controversy for allowing an Aussie athlete to finish – and win – an event in China despite defecating during the race.

Launched in Germany in 2017, HYROX exploded into a massive global fitness craze that sees thousands of gym fanatics compete in a closed, indoor circuit race that tests their strength and endurance.

Unlike marathons or obstacle course races, every HYROX course layout and workout is identical worldwide which allows athletes to compare their exact finish times against a global leader board.

Over the weekend, the fitness event garnered intense scrutiny for allowing a controversial finish at the HYROX Beijing fitness race.

Current world no.1 in the women’s singles division, Australian athlete Joanna Wietrzyk was competing in the Women’s Pro division, when she soiled herself during the race.

In footage that has since gone viral, Ms Wietrzyk is seen competing in the race with faecal matter smeared across her arms and legs.

The incident did not appear to slow her down, with the 22-year-old going on to continue the race, and win.

After the race, the athlete and fitness coach shared a selfie from a hospital bed with the message: “Go hard or go home they say ... a win is a win.”

It’s sparked a torrent of outrage, with questions raised over the Melbourne local’s decision to continue in such a state and the organisers lack of action in halting her race.

“She literally has s*** dripping down her arms… where is the respect for competition,” one person wrote, with another arguing: “she should have been disqualified.”

Following a a barrage of scrutiny, the event organiser was forced to respond, issuing a statement to their official Instagram page on Monday.

Addressed “to our community”, the organisers said: “HYROX has clear biocontainment and medical procedures in place. In this instance, an unforeseen situation arose in which protocol designed for elite competition and mass participation became blurred, creating ambiguity in how they were applied and understood.

“We recognise that this can understandably lead to frustration, questions and strong views within our community.

“Those concerns are legitimate and, as organisers, we must be prepared to hear them, examine what happened and take responsibility for continuing to improve. And we will.

The racing organiser also went on to reveal that it would be looking in to social media accounts who were being ‘threatening’ and violent’ towards Ms Wietrzyk, and would ban them from competing in future races.

“There is no place in our community for threats or violence of encouragement to harm an athlete.

“As this happened this weekend, we want to be very clear and direct: Any person identified as engaging in this behaviour – whether through comments, direct messages or social media – will be permanently banned from all HYROX events.

“We are currently reviewing and identifying those responsible and action will be taken.”

It’s led to even more contention, with people online angered over the organisation’s “horrible statement” and lack of apology.

One person wrote: “HYROX should have immediately stopped her when it happened. This isn’t about embarrassing or shaming someone for having an accident. Accidents happen. It’s about basic hygiene, sanitation, and respect for every other competitor on that course.”

Another added: “No apology to the athletes who travelled from far and wide, trained for months, and prepared for this moment only to be placed in an environment that exposed them to a sanitation hazard.”

A third wrote: “This is the PR disaster. Shame on you!”