Claire heads to Norway for HYROX World Championships

A Newtown athlete will compete against some of the world’s fittest competitors this weekend after securing her place at the HYROX World Championships in Stockholm.

Clair Williams, 43, who owns Room 2 hairdressing salon in Newtown and trains at the town’s N-MAC gym, qualified for the championships after winning the Women’s Pro 40-44 age group at a qualifying event held at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.

HYROX has become one of the fastest-growing fitness sports in the world, combining endurance running with functional fitness challenges. Competitors complete eight rounds of a 1km run followed by a workout station, testing strength, stamina and mental resilience.

The Stockholm event represents the highest level of competition in the sport, bringing together athletes who have qualified through races held around the world.

This will be Williams’ fourth appearance at the HYROX World Championships. Her best result came in 2024 when she finished sixth in her age category in Nice, and she hopes to improve on that performance this year.

“I am the fittest I have ever been because I have been training hard and following running and gym programmes from my coaches,” said Williams.

“I love the mind over matter challenge of HYROX.

“It would be nice to finish a bit higher than I did in Nice, having achieved my fastest sub-70 minute time when qualifying in Cardiff.”

Williams said her preparation had been helped by sponsorship from Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park at Trefeglwys, near Caersws, which is supporting her trip to the world championships.

“I am really grateful and flattered that Meadow Springs offered to sponsor me,” she said.

“To be honest, I was taken aback, as I consider competing to be a hobby.”

Jonathan Williams, owner of Meadow Springs and a fellow member of N-MAC gym, praised the dedication required to reach world championship level.

“The effort, discipline and sacrifices required to compete for a world title are immense and we are delighted to support Clair on her incredible journey,” he said.

“We are proud to support Clair and wish her every success this weekend as she takes on the world’s strongest HYROX athletes. We will all be cheering her on here in Mid Wales.”

For Newtown, Williams’ qualification is another example of local sporting talent competing on the international stage, with the athlete set to represent Mid Wales against the best HYROX competitors from across the globe.

Photo: Clair Williams (centre) with Lisa Hughes (left) and Milly Jerman from Meadow Springs Country & Leisure Park.