With the HYROX season at its midpoint, we find ourselves in the heart of the Open Championships—first with the European Championships in Vienna at the end of February, followed by the North American Championships in March. This makes it the perfect time to share my perspective on a debate that resurfaces every season: Should Elite athletes compete in the Open division?
I’m not here to change anyone’s mind or sway opinions. But I do believe that most discussions around this topic lack the necessary depth and awareness. My goal is to provide a broader, more detailed perspective—one that goes beyond the surface-level arguments and truly examines what this means for both Open and Elite athletes.
Open Races Being “Easier” Is a Common Misconception
Faster pacing and relentless intensity make Open races just as challenging.
The Pro division comes with heavier weights, but that doesn’t necessarily make the races tougher. Open races are not for beginners—they are faster, more intense, and allow little to no rest. As a coach, I’ve often advised athletes to start their HYROX journey in the Pro division, not because it’s inherently “harder,” but because their physical abilities, psychological readiness, and personal expectations sometimes align better with that challenge. The decision isn’t just about strength—it’s about what suits the athlete best.
My HYROX journey began in the Pro division, where I completed my first race in 64 minutes. For four years, I competed exclusively in Pro, despite strength numbers that were below typical Elite standards—my back squat never exceeded 120kg, my strict press topped out at 55kg, and I never managed 100 unbroken reps with a 9kg Wall Ball. Yet, performance is about more than just raw strength. I proved that by finishing 3rd at the 2021 World Championship in Leipzig and later securing 9th place at the 2023 World Championship in Manchester—at 40 years old. I consider myself clearly an Open Division athlete but I always wanted to be head-to-head with the best athletes in the world, and that was the main reason I have mostly competed in pro (3 Open races vs. 20 Pro).
Elite Athletes Competing Across Divisions Isn’t Uncommon
In endurance sports, it’s common for top athletes to compete across different formats. Ironman Pro athletes, for example, often race in shorter-distance events, but they don’t always dominate—sometimes, they don’t even make the podium. This doesn’t diminish their status; rather, it highlights the unique demands of each competition and reinforces the idea that being a well-rounded athlete means embracing challenges beyond your primary division.
Elite athletes aren’t competing to take the flags, medals, or podiums from Open athletes—they want to compete and improve.
Instead of seeing Elite athletes in the Open division as a disadvantage, Open competitors should view it as an opportunity to step up and elevate their game. The reality is that Open and Elite athletes have different strengths—lighter, faster Open athletes often excel in speed and endurance. In contrast, Elite competitors, who prioritize strength, may sacrifice some agility. Training approaches also differ, with Open athletes focusing more on bodyweight movements and running, whereas Elite athletes dedicate more time to heavy lifts. Rather than complaining, Open athletes should embrace the challenge and use it as motivation to refine their skills and push their limits.
The Reality of Open Racing for Elite Athletes
In Open races, Elite athletes face heightened risks and exposure, where the possibility of losing to lesser-known or non-Elite competitors can be both humbling and eye-opening. A striking example is the Vienna race, where Elite World Champion Alexander Roncevic found himself struggling to overtake Open division athletes. It was only during the final Wall Balls that he managed to secure his position, finishing mere seconds ahead, highlighting the unpredictable nature of Open competition and the relentless challenge it presents—even for the best in the sport.
The Bigger Picture: Why Elite Athletes Compete in Open
For Alexander Roncevic, the Vienna race is especially significant as his only home event in Austria and a major competition, hosting the European Open Championships. Unlike in 2024, when Vienna also featured an Elite European Championship as a Major Race, this year there is no option to compete in the Pro division—raising the question of whether skipping the event would make sense. Meanwhile, with the North American Championships approaching, the participation of Elite athletes remains uncertain, though top competitors typically seize every opportunity to race at the highest level. Beyond the competition itself, it was amazing, thrilling, and heartwarming to witness the crowd, fellow athletes, family, and friends cheering for or competing alongside Alex before, during, and after the race. The atmosphere was electrifying, as the hometown support for such a beloved World Champion created an unforgettable energy throughout the event.
The debate will continue, but competition should be embraced. Elite athletes racing in the Open division doesn’t diminish its value—it elevates it, raising the standard and pushing everyone to perform at their best. Rather than avoiding the challenge, Open athletes should see it as an opportunity to test their limits and grow. Interestingly, those who criticize this dynamic are often not even competitors themselves, highlighting the gap between perception and experience in the sport.
