Interview with Hunter McIntyre ahead of Hyrox World Championships

Going into Friday’s Hyrox World Championships, Hunter McIntyre is the strong favourite to win the Elite 15 race. Just a few months ago, in Hyrox Barcelona, he smashed his own world record and brought the fastest ever Hyrox time down to 54 minutes and 7 seconds.

We were keen to catch up with Hunter the week of the Hyrox season’s main event, the Elite 15 race in Manchester, to find out his thoughts about Hyrox’s growth as a sport and hear how he’s feeling going into the race.

Here’s the interview!

Having followed your career through OCR and CrossFit, it almost seems like Hyrox was made for you: strength, speed, and quality movement. Can you remember your thoughts and feelings when you first heard about Hyrox and eventually completed your first race?

There have been many attempts of events like Hyrox but nothing is as hard as Hyrox. When I first completed one I was rocked by the length and intensity of the race. I have been racing them ever since. It really is an incredible test. I find it gets the most out of me when I am peak form for this race. 

You’ve always trained hard and with plenty of volume, but I heard you say a few days ago that you’re training more volume than you ever have in your life. What specifically is it you’re doing more of and why?

I increased my volume by 300% from last year. Mostly because I had limited time to train for this season. Most of it was done on the bike. A lot more ski erg too. Eventually I reached a point when I broke myself in the process but now I’m back to good place and faster than ever.

I know that you advocate the Norwegian Method of training for Hyrox. Can you tell us a bit about what this is and how it has helped you set records and also helped many of your athletes hit PBs?

It was an style that I read about from the sport of cross country skiing. I think this sport closely replicated our style of sport. I took a formula that they used then applied the multi sport training application of Hyrox. By mixing endurance and intensity properly I was able to increase both at the same time. 

Looking ahead to Friday’s race, what’s your goal? It feels strange to ask, but would winning be enough for you? 

At this point in my career I race to learn more about myself. I have gold medals, I have money. When I push myself to my absolute limits I arrive to a place where absolute chaos meets peace. It is a rare thing that I cherish the opportunity to experience. 

Do you prefer the Championship races where you get to go head-to-head with the best in the world compared to the qualifiers, like Spain where you set the World record? Do you approach them any differently?

I race for world records in the offseason. I take risks on open level courses. In championships I race at a pace that will set me up with the win. Both have different styles and paces.

I think many people believe that top level athletes (such as yourself), find training and competing physically/mentally easier than they do. How much do you suffer in training and in a race to perform the way you do?

I train at a level of pain and performance that no else does. That’s why I’m the one holding the world record. 

What is it that you believe allows you to push yourself so hard so consistently and find success across so many disciplines? 

I haven’t ever stopped learning. I will sit in any and all rooms that push the limits of human performance. I read constantly. I look myself in the mirror all the time, judge my weaknesses and praise my strengths. Then I go back to the drawing board. 

What’s the worst workout you’ve done this training camp?

The hardest workout I did was participating in an 8 hour bike ride with 10000ft of climbing in Cyprus. I didn’t know we were going this far. I didn’t bring enough fuel or water. I did it on my bday. It will be one of the most memorable rides of my life. 

Some friends of mine are involved in HAOS and love it. I know you take great pride in the performances of athletes you’re training. Would you say that being a coach and a leader has impacted the way you train and perform?

I learn so much for seeing the daily feed back of athletes around the world. It helps me rethink my own training. You always have to have an open mind if you want to be a top level performer. Leave no stone left unturned. 

What’s one thing, from your experience, that Hyrox athletes should be doing more of to get their times down?

Cardio is the most underrated aspect of a successful time in Hyrox. More running, biking, skiing and rowing. It will change the game if you level up here.

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Don’t miss Hunter in action at the Hyrox World Championships this Friday evening from 5:20pm. Hyrox have teamed up with Spontent to deliver a top quality live stream of the event with full commentary through Twitch. More here: The Fitness Competition for Every Body | HYROX