Navy Pier Hosts HYROX World Championships This Weekend
Chicago's Navy Pier transforms into a battleground for elite athletes this weekend as they compete in the HYROX World Championships, a sport gaining traction for its accessibility and unique format.
"Some people around you don't know what HYROX is, and it's really annoying," said Emilie Dahmen, an Elite athlete. "I tell them, 'HYROX,' and they just look confused." Her sentiment echoes among many competitors eager to raise awareness about the sport.
HYROX combines eight one-kilometer runs with eight functional movement stations, creating a challenging fitness race that appeals to a wide audience.
"It's very accessible to everyone," explained Jake Dearden, another Elite athlete. "I got into it because I love running and weightlifting. It’s intense—20 to 30 hours of training each week—but it’s worth it." Dearden is making waves as a newcomer in the Elite 15 Series.
On the women's side, Lauren Weeks stands out as a three-time world champion, having been part of HYROX since its inception in the late 2010s. "My first world championship had just six women on the start line," she recalled. "Now, we have 6,000 athletes. The growth is astronomical." Weeks' journey reflects the sport's rapid evolution.
Training for Weeks now includes her 3-year-old daughter, Lilly. "I make sure she has her own mini equipment," Weeks shared. "If she wants to join in, great; if not, that's fine too. Usually, she participates for about 20 seconds." This family dynamic adds a personal touch to her rigorous training routine.
As competitors gear up for the championship, discussions about including HYROX in the Olympics by 2032 are gaining momentum. "Many of us would love to call ourselves Olympians," Weeks noted. "It’s a long way off, but it keeps me motivated." Her commitment to the sport is evident; she even competed while eight months pregnant to demonstrate that exercise is possible at any stage of life.
The excitement surrounding this weekend's event at Navy Pier highlights not just the athletes' dedication but also the potential future of HYROX as a recognized sport on a global stage.
