In the latest episode of the RMR Training Podcast , Meg Jacoby opens up about her difficult but powerful decision to step away from the 2025 HYROX World Championships. What follows isn’t just an elite athlete talking about injury—it's a blueprint for longevity, leadership, and maturity in hybrid racing.

This isn’t a story about missing a race. It’s a story about how to win the long game in fitness and competition.

Meg Jacoby Withdraws from HYROX Worlds: The Big Announcement

Rich Ryan, Ryan Kent, and Meg Jacoby cover final race week prep for HYROX, but the conversation quickly pivots when Meg announces she won’t be racing in the 2025 HYROX World Championship in Chicago.

Why?

“I’m not re-injured,” Meg explains, “but I’m still dealing with the repercussions of surgery. It’s not smart for me to race right now.”

For one of the top female athletes in HYROX, this wasn’t a choice made lightly. But instead of pushing through pain or risking long-term health, Meg chose to pull back—and in doing so, she may have made her most professional move yet.

Athlete First: Why This Decision Was About Long-Term Success

Meg emphasized that she’s not quitting. She’s planning for the next season, and the one after that. Her focus is on sustainability, performance longevity, and setting an example for how elite athletes should handle physical setbacks.

“There is no middle for Meg. There’s no just finishing and being happy with that. That’s not who I am.”

After feeling her recovery stall post-London, she recognized the signs: her body wasn’t ready for race-level training intensity, and she wasn’t going to force it. She also wasn’t going to risk letting down her relay or doubles teammates.

In a sport that often glorifies pushing through pain, Meg chose self-awareness over ego. And that’s what makes her a real leader in this space.

A Powerful Message to the HYROX Community

There’s a “grind harder” mentality baked into hybrid racing—do more, recover later, post about it on Instagram. Meg’s decision cuts through that noise.

“This isn’t about giving up. This is about choosing the smart path so I can be in this sport for years—not months.”

Meg acknowledged the role of social media in pressuring athletes to do more, faster. But she’s taking the long view. One season missed is nothing compared to five strong ones in the future.

And the community heard her loud and clear. The support she received online was overwhelming—and reaffirming.

Leadership Means Making Room for Other Athletes

Meg could have waited until the last minute to pull out. She didn’t.

Instead, she informed the HYROX organizers early enough for another athlete—Chris Roglowski—to step in. That choice had ripple effects across multiple events, including the doubles and the relay.

“It’s not fair to my teammates if I’m not at 100%. I’d rather let someone else go in fully prepared.”

She’s not just protecting her own career—she’s looking out for the sport. By stepping away early, she ensured a full field of elite athletes at HYROX Worlds.

That’s leadership.

Mental Health in Elite Racing: What Happens When Training Isn’t Possible

The emotional weight of Meg’s decision is clear throughout the episode.

For someone who built confidence through consistent, disciplined training, the uncertainty of the past year has been mentally exhausting. She admits she no longer had that inner voice saying, “I can win this”—and that alone was enough to tell her it wasn’t time to race.

“I’ve never started a race without believing I could win. This would’ve been the first time.”

This vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s strength. And for many hybrid athletes listening in, it’s the validation they didn’t know they needed.

HYROX Race Week Tips from the Pros

After Meg’s announcement, the RMR crew shifts gears into final race week strategy—offering insights every athlete can use, regardless of competition level.

Top tips include:

1. Visualize and mentally rehearse

Meg uses visualization leading up to a race, replaying the event in her mind. It builds confidence and calm under pressure.

2. Avoid social media

Comparison is the thief of confidence. If you’re tapering for a big event, now’s the time to go dark. “Post and ghost,” Meg recommends.

3. Create a personalized race playlist

Kent builds a music playlist that reflects his emotional arc for race day—calming early, intense later. It’s about controlling your mood, not just hype.

4. Write a race day checklist

Rich emphasizes planning every detail, especially travel, nutrition, warm-ups, and even bathroom breaks. Don’t let logistics derail your mental game.

5. Limit venue exposure before race time

Overstimulating environments drain mental energy. Meg suggests avoiding the venue until absolutely necessary—“Support your friends, then leave.”

Meg’s Message to Every HYROX Athlete: “This Is Just One Year”

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Meg reframes her entire season.

“One bad year doesn’t mean anything if I can have five or six amazing ones.”

She talks about wanting to be a mom who can play with her kids, an athlete who still runs at age 70, and someone who treats her body like an investment—not a disposable tool.

That message—centered on health, longevity, and future goals—is a critical reminder for every athlete caught in the trap of short-term thinking.

What’s Next for Meg Jacoby?

She’ll still be at HYROX Worlds. She’s still part of the community. But this year, she’ll be watching, supporting, and cheering on her teammates from the sidelines.

“It’ll be hard… but it felt like a weight off my chest to finally say it out loud.”

She won’t be racing. But make no mistake: she’s still competing—for her future, her family, and the next chapter of her career.

Final Thoughts: Meg Jacoby Just Redefined What Strength Looks Like in HYROX

If HYROX is going to grow as a legitimate sport, it needs athletes who think big picture.

Episode 66 of the RMR Training Podcast isn’t just a podcast episode. It’s a turning point in how we talk about injury, recovery, and athletic identity.

Meg Jacoby just gave every athlete permission to think long-term, listen to their bodies, and make bold, smart decisions—even when they hurt.

And when she’s back next season? Bet on her doing what she’s always done—bringing the vibe, raising the bar, and competing to win.

Watch the full episode here: