Jeremy McConnell’s journey to HYROX isn’t your typical “athlete discovers a new sport” story. Known to many for his time on reality TV – including Celebrity Big Brother – Jeremy’s transformation from media chaos to athletic focus has been anything but ordinary. In a powerful chat on the Rox Lyfe podcast, he opens up about why HYROX became his medicine, how he’s navigating HYROX training with intent, and his take on that infamous shoulder barge with Hunter McIntyre at the 2025 HYROX World Championships.
From Public Meltdown to Personal Mission
“When I say HYROX is my medicine, I mean it literally saved my life,” Jeremy told us. After years of self-destruction – fuelled by media attention, substance abuse, and the weight of unresolved grief – Jeremy hit a breaking point. The gym offered structure, and HYROX gave him purpose. “It’s not a six-week body transformation. It’s a sport you can study, improve at, and learn about yourself through.”
He speaks candidly about losing his mother, brother, and half-sister in the same year, and how burying those traumas led to years of anxiety, depression, and addiction. Now, for him, fitness isn’t about aesthetics or approval – it’s about staying alive.
“Fitness gave me natural endorphins. I used to chase that feeling with drink and drugs. Now I get it from training – and it lasts longer.”
Training Smarter, Not Just Harder
Jeremy’s approach to HYROX training has evolved drastically over time. As a naturally fast-twitch athlete with a football background, he admits he initially chased volume without structure. “I’d run loads, but there was no periodisation. I just loved it.”
These days, he’s focusing on:
- Progressive overload rather than chasing weekly mileage
- Heart rate-based training for aerobic development
- Prioritising rest, recovery, and smarter race selection
“I used to think I needed to hit 100km every week. Now I realise the goal is to build gradually and not burn out. The fitter you are, the better you’ll be. No fads.”
He’s also found value in tracking HRV (heart rate variability), using it to guide when to push and when to back off – even if the body feels okay.
Mental Edge from Ultra-Endurance Suffering
If there’s one thing Jeremy’s not afraid of, it’s discomfort.
He recently completed the gruelling 250km Marathon des Sables – a multi-day ultra across the Sahara Desert – while weighing 96kg and carrying a 13kg backpack. “It was 83km in 50-degree heat at one point. I was crawling mentally. But I found something in me I didn’t know I had.”
That resilience transfers to HYROX, especially under pressure: “There are fitter lads than me. But I’ve lived through shit. That’s what I bring to the race.”
Mind Games, Mischief & That Infamous Shoulder Barge
A major talking point in the episode is the now-infamous moment at the 2025 World Championships when Jeremy, racing for Ireland in the relay, was barged into the sideboards by American athlete Hunter McIntyre. The move got the USA team disqualified – and lit up social media.
Jeremy’s take? “I like Hunter. We shook hands after. He plays the villain, I get it. But HYROX needed to set a standard. If you’re giving penalties for sled lines, you can’t ignore something like that.”
He also appreciates the drama. “Sport needs characters. Mental warfare, banter – I’m glad it’s coming into HYROX. It’s entertainment. It’s personality.”
What’s Next: Doubles Focus and Chasing Joy
Looking ahead, Jeremy’s shifting focus to Elite 15 Doubles – teaming up with different athletes across the season and being more selective with his race calendar. “I want to train with intent. That means fewer races, more deliberate prep, and making sure I’m ready on the day.”
But above all, he’s trying to maintain perspective.
“HYROX nearly became my homewrecker. You get obsessed. But at what cost? Time with my daughter matters too. It’s about balance.”
He may wear goalkeeper gloves, arm sleeves in hot venues, or roll into the start line in sprinter’s gear – but underneath it all is a man trying to do better than the day before. “I used to race to be seen. Now I race to stay sane.”
This conversation is raw, honest, funny and insightful. Give the full episode a listen on the “Rox Lyfe Podcast” on Spotify, or Apple, or watch below on YouTube…
