Jake Williamson isn’t just training for gold — he’s sprinting toward Pride Month with a purpose. The 26-year-old British HYROX athlete and proud gay trailblazer recently shattered another world record in Berlin, teaming up with Fabi Eisenlauer in the Men’s Open Doubles to become the first-ever duo to break the 48-minute barrier. Their blistering 47:57 finish made history — and made clear that Williamson is a force to be reckoned with.
From Warehouse Worker to World-Class Athlete
It’s hard to believe that just a few years ago, Williamson was selling lights in a warehouse while hustling as a personal trainer and chasing soccer dreams. Now, he’s a globally ranked fitness competitor, an out LGBTQ+ role model, and part of Instagram’s high-profile “Athletes for Purpose” program, alongside elite names like Lewis Hamilton and Emma Raducanu.
His rise has been anything but conventional — and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring.
“It sometimes feels like yesterday that I was working selling lights for a living! I was still playing grassroots football then too,” he said in an interview with Outsports. “I had no idea at that time that life would have turned out the way it has.”
HYROX Heat Ahead: Eyes on Chicago
HYROX, a global fitness race that blends running with functional workouts, is exploding in popularity. In 2024–25 alone, over half a million athletes across 11 countries entered events. But only the top 1% qualify for the World Championships, set for June 12–15 at Navy Pier in Chicago.
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After clinching a spot in the Elite 15 Pro Doubles category with a strong second-place finish in London alongside former pro soccer player Alen Ploj, Williamson is heading into the final showdown with more than medals on his mind.
“In Chicago, I’ll be competing in the Elite doubles, and my ambition — as always — will be to win. But if I have a ‘B’ goal, it’s to get on the podium.”
He may have missed out on the solo elite category, but his doubles record proves he’s not backing down anytime soon.
Pride on the Podium
Williamson doesn’t just race — he represents. His openness about being gay in the hypermasculine world of fitness racing is powerful, especially as he uses his platform to challenge stereotypes and uplift others.
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When Jake Daniels came out as England’s first openly gay men’s soccer player in over 30 years, Williamson appeared on national TV to discuss the significance. And when he came out himself, a teammate removed him from the group chat — an all-too-common story that’s only strengthened his resolve to be unapologetically authentic.
“I feel HYROX is a super inclusive space,” he said. “Although I’m unsure if they will do anything to celebrate Pride Month in June, I’d like to think that by having me on the Elite doubles start line in Chicago, and breaking a world record, I can play a small part in making people feel like it’s a space for them.”
A Legacy Beyond the Finish Line
In 2023, Williamson helped England win gold in the mixed relay at HYROX Worlds in Nice. Now, as HYROX’s profile grows — with an estimated value of $140 million — so does Williamson’s. More than just an athlete, he’s a symbol of pride, perseverance, and power.
And as the final sprint to Navy Pier approaches, one thing’s certain: Jake Williamson isn’t just racing for records. He’s racing for representation.
