TrainHybrd Podcast for the Hybrid Athlete 053: From Rural Roots to the Elite 15: HYROX Athlete Tom Rodgers on Chasing Greatness
What does it take to go from first-time HYROX competitor to qualifying for the Elite 15, all in under a year?
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Rodgers, one of the fastest-rising names in Australian HYROX. Since entering the sport in 2023, Tom has made waves with multiple podium finishes across solo, doubles, and team relay events. But it was his 56:05 solo finish, one of the fastest in HYROX history - that truly cemented him as a force to watch.
Whether you’re a HYROX athlete, a hybrid competitor, or a runner stepping into functional fitness, this conversation will challenge how you think about racing, training, and leveling up under pressure.
We’re digging into what makes Tom tick, from his unique training style and rural lifestyle, to the mindset shifts that helped him rise so fast.
🔍 What we explore in this episode:
How Tom got into HYROX and what early races taught him
The “conjugate training” method and how it fuels his hybrid performance
His thoughts mid-race during that historic 56:05 finish
Competing across solo, doubles, and team formats, what changes?
What it’s like training alongside elite partner and mentor Chris Woolley
Balancing rural living, real life, and high-level competition
A full breakdown of Tom’s current training week
Recovery, consistency, and staying sharp when motivation dips
What’s next: goals for the Elite 15 in Barcelona and beyond
This episode isn’t just about one athlete’s success, it’s about the systems, choices, and mental edge that drive performance at the highest level.
🎯 If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to break through in HYROX… this is where you start.
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