Australia Wins 2026 HYROX Mixed Relay Invitational, Defending Their Title
# Team Australia Triumphs in 2026 HYROX Mixed Relay Invitational
The excitement of the weekend concluded with the HYROX Mixed Relay Invitational. Teams qualified through the worldwide National Performance Index (NPI), with Sweden earning an automatic spot as the host nation.
Each team featured four athletes, each completing two stations. Team Australia, the reigning champions from 2025, entered with high expectations. The relay format differs from the traditional HYROX races, offering a fast-paced, tactical, and enjoyable experience for both competitors and spectators. The full race can be viewed below.
## Competing Nations
Here is the official list of the 20 countries competing for the 2026 World Title:
1. Australia
2. United Kingdom
3. United States
4. Germany
5. Belgium
6. Canada
7. Spain
8. Ireland
9. Italy
10. Netherlands
11. South Africa
12. France
13. New Zealand
14. Mexico
15. South Korea
16. Morocco
17. China
18. United Arab Emirates
19. Poland
20. Sweden
## The Race
Cole Learn took an early lead on the ski erg, eager to prove himself after a previous disqualification. All athletes battled for positions, using their bodies to create space and gain an advantage. Wenisch represented Germany in his football shirt, while Botterill wore his England top. The environment was both fun and competitive.
In the ski erg segment, Roncevic from Team Austria also secured a top position, with McCroary from Scotland closely following Learn in second place. Many athletes had just completed the Elite 15 Singles and Doubles races, likely feeling fatigued. Learn finished the ski erg first and transitioned to the next teammate.
### Sled Push
Teams from Ireland, Canada, Netherlands, Austria, and New Zealand led the race. Nikora-Baker from New Zealand pushed the sled effortlessly. Commentator Sean Noble noted the unique challenges of the sled push during the relay, as athletes must sprint faster before attempting the station.
*Tip: Keep your feet close to the sled to maximize power.*
England moved ahead, followed closely by Canada, Australia, Germany, and New Zealand.
### Sled Pull
England was first to tackle the sled pull, with Jess Pettrow and Linda Meier pulling side by side. The variety of techniques was noticeable as athletes progressed through the station.
*Tip: Find your best rope management technique, like dropping the rope to reduce forearm strain, as others maintain a firm grip.*
Aussie athlete James Kelly encouraged teammate Lucy Proctor as he advanced.
Competing for Team Switzerland, Mirjam Van Rohr has recently excelled, winning the French Throwdown and qualifying for the CrossFit Games, along with setting a new weightlifting record.
### Burpee Broad Jumps
Lucy Proctor excelled on the burpees, helping keep Team England in the top three behind New Zealand and Australia. Cole Learn made gains, closing in on James Kelly during this segment.
*Tip: Explore different techniques for burpees to adapt based on your energy levels.*
### Row
During the rowing segment, Alyssa McElheny entertained herself by singing along to the venue's music. Many relay athletes matched explosive paces, unlike their typical speeds in Singles Races.
*Fun Fact: Canada has the current female record for the beer mile.*
### Farmers Carry
Germany led at this point, but Sheridan clocked an impressive time of 01:04 in the farmers carry, marking the fastest Elite Singles race time.
*Tip: Engage your lats and back for better results on this station.*
### Sandbag Lunges
James Kelly entered the sandbag lunges in the lead, an area where he excels. Germany and England followed closely, with both Harry Thompson and Jannik showing strength.
Team South Africa received a red card during the race.
### Wall Balls
Linda Meier and Jess Pettrow raced together after their next lap, with Pettrow pulling ahead. Her track and field background was evident as she arrived first for the wall balls, executing the task precisely.
The battle for medals came down to Pettrow, Meier, and Proctor from Australia, Germany, and England, finishing in that order.
### Final Leaderboard
In a post-race interview, Sheridan expressed her satisfaction with defending Team Australia’s title, stating, “That was the hardest HYROX race I have ever done.”
To see more action, check out the Women's and Men's Elite 15 Race.
This content is derived from https://www.boxrox.com, your online magazine for competitive fitness.
