'Every second counts': GB News' Sophia Hill reveals how her hobby has taken the fitness world by storm
Paul Coyte discusses the latest sport headlines January 29 2025
GB News
Today’s world is increasingly obsessed with functional fitness and one event is taking the global fitness scene by storm: Hyrox.
Described as the ultimate combination of running and functional fitness, the race is designed as a real test of endurance for all abilities.
From its humble beginnings in Germany in 2017, it has grown into a global phenomenon that attracts athletes and everyday fitness fanatics alike.
So, what is it?
For the uninitiated, a Hyrox race consists of eight one-kilometre runs, each followed by a gruelling workout station. A combination of lung-burning ski ergs, punishing sled pushes, and the ultimate test of endurance: the dreaded wall ball squats. It’s as much a battle of strategy as it is of stamina, and trust me, every second counts.
The December 2024 Hyrox Stockholm competition.
Sophia Hill
Like many others, my intrigue got the better of me and in early December last year, I found myself in Stockholm, ready to take on my first Hyrox competition. Admittedly, with only a couple of months of training, I stepped up to the start line filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. It was humbling, to say the least, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with individuals of all fitness levels, from seasoned competitors with rippling muscles to first-timers like me.
It’s only upon reflection that I notice the somewhat bizarre nature of the event: standing in a massive warehouse, blasting with motivational music, filled with thousands of half-dressed, sweaty people. At the time, though, you don’t bat an eyelid.
The Stockholm event was electric. Almost 7,000 athletes travelled to the Swedish capital to compete in the converted exhibition hall. As temperatures rose inside to combat the snow and ice outside, crowds cheered from the sidelines, with their energy providing the much-needed boost for when you hit the inevitable mental wall during the race.
By the time I reached the burpee jumps (station four of eight) my legs were threatening to give out beneath me. But I wasn’t giving up that easily! That’s when the crux of the fitness community really struck me, the camaraderie. Fellow competitors shouting encouragement, strangers offered kind words, and the spirit of unity is what really helps carry you all the way through to those final, agonising wall balls.
Alexander Roncevic, the 2024 Hyrox World Champion.
Sophia Hill
Hyrox’s appeal lies in its accessibility. You don’t need to be a CrossFit fanatic or a marathon runner to take part; all you need is determination and a willingness to push yourself. With categories for individuals, doubles, and even relay teams, it’s a format that works for everyone. With 64 races across five continents in the 2024/25 season, another perk is being able to travel the world whilst competing.
As I crossed the finish line, utterly spent but elated, I understood why Hyrox is growing so fast. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about community, self-discovery, and proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than you imagined. I even surprised myself when I found myself saying I’d love to do another!?
So, if you’re looking for your next challenge, why not give it a go? Whether you’re chasing a personal best or simply curious to test your limits, Hyrox might just be the competition you didn’t know you needed.
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