Derry Sporting Hero Gears up for World Hyrox Championships Challenge

Derry athlete Sean McLaughlin is set to represent Derry at the World Hyrox championship taking place in Chicago during June 12 – 15, 2025.

Sean is the only sportsperson from Derry competing at the prestigious competition alongside other athletes from throughout Ireland at this time; he said: “As it is a qualifying only competition, the athletes are from all over Ireland but I'm currently the only person in Derry who has qualified.

“Hopefully there's a few more local athletes that will qualify before the race.

“It would be great to get a good squad representing Derry as there is a lot of top class Hyrox athletes from here.

“My hopes and aspirations are that I would like to hit sub 60 in the world championships pro weights.”

39-year-old Sean began his Hyrox journey when he was encouraged to begin by Gerard Lundy, a friend and fellow triathlete, who suggest that he would enjoy it.

He described why the sport has appealed so much to him: “Hyrox is very fast paced, dynamic and the training and racing has an army like feel to it.

“My first official Hyrox event was Dublin 2024, Pro weights, when I finished 9th overall and that was the event which I qualified for the World Championships, in Chicago on 14th June 25.

“Training involves roughly 12hours per week, consisting of two strength sessions, four run sessions and endurance work on the ski and row ergs.

“Having the triathlon background and working full time as a brick layer has helped set the foundations for what Hyrox requires, strength, endurance and resilience.”

Sean’s main background has been in triathlon competitions and coaching and he has been instrumental in the role of coach and mentor to many young talented Irish triathletes making waves in international competitions.

A talented triathlete in his own right, he has been triumphant in local competitions such as the Liam Bell Triathlon and the Ballyshannen Sprint Triathlon and recently placed second in his age group in the Challenge Salou Triathlon.

Modestly, his plans for the future involve future competitions but he has not set any specific goals, saying: “I hope to keep staying as fit as possible and competing at a decent level for as long as I possibly can whilst still plan to race triathlon and coach triathletes as well as Hyrox athletes.”

Local firm KSK Engineering Rathmor are sponsoring Sean to compete in the World Hyrox Championships.