There are very few downsides to exercise. But a recent viral story highlighted one of the more embarrassing – and potentially dangerous – issues that can occur when your body reaches it limit with exercise.

Joanna Wietrzyk, the winner of the recent women’s pro Hyrox race in Beijing (a challenging fitness race that blends running and strength), found herself in the spotlight not for her performance – but because she soiled herself during the event.

While there has been plenty of commentary about what happened – and discussions over whether she should have been allowed to continue competing – one thing that hasn’t been said is that such occurrences are not uncommon in athletes.

Those who watched the 2005 London Marathon will remember Paula Radcliffe stopping at the 22-mile mark to “do her business” on the side of the road. Triathlete Taylor Knibb also suffered a similar incident during 2024’s Dubai T100.

Gastrointestinal problems, including diarrhoea, are up to three times more common in professional athletes than in recreational athletes. The impact it has on runners is so common it has even has its own term: runner’s diarrhoea. It’s estimated that up to 90% of runners experience this issue at some point.

But diarrhoea isn’t the only symptom people undertaking strenuous exercise for a prolonged period will suffer from. Abdominal pain, heartburn, nausea,........

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