Wietrzyk also said she regretted an initial social media post published after the race which included the words “Go hard or go home” and “a win is a win”. She said she had been in “flight or fight mode” as she sought hospital treatment.
“I didn’t really account for what the public would have seen that situation as.”
Challenged over whether her apology could be seen as an effort at damage limitation, or too late, she said that she hadn’t expected so much exposure from the incident.
“I needed those days to reflect on it and process it.”
Speaking about the mentality of elite athletes, she said: “They’re so hyper-vigilant on winning and doing the best that they can, putting their training to good use and showcasing their fitness to the world.”
After reflecting over the past weeks, she said: “There is more to life… than just racing and just winning.”
After Wietrzyk’s identity was shared online, Hyrox said anyone sending abuse or threats to the athlete would be banned from future events.
Speaking about the comments and photo shares online Joanna Wietrzyk said there had both been support, to make sure she was OK, but that it had also shown social media can be a very “toxic place”.
Wietrzyk told the BBC that it had been a “mentally and emotionally taxing period” and she had not expected the global scrutiny, saying her family had also received threats.
“[It] was very eye-opening for me to see the effect of social media nowadays, especially from someone who’s 24, just out there racing.
“Yes, I did make the wrong decision but I don’t believe I should have received such backlash and such scrutiny online… At the end of the day I’m only human.”
Wietrzyk said had been trying to stay offline and had sought to “isolate herself from the world” for a time: “I can’t do that forever.”
“I still have so much more I can achieve in this sport so I think, for me, my mental resilience is the key here where I can inspire others through what I’ve been through.”
