Stockholm Podium Caps Rapid Ascent for Spanish Pro
Fifty-five minutes and 53 seconds. That is the time it took Roberto Viciedo to conquer eight one-kilometer runs and eight functional fitness stations, securing third place in the Men’s Pro category at the 2026 World Championships in Stockholm. For the 27-year-old athlete from Onda, Spain, the performance represents a stark transformation from his debut timing of 1 hour and 11 minutes recorded at his first competition in 2022.
From CD Onda to International Circuit
Four years ago, Viciedo balanced playing for the first team of CD Onda with a day job in an optical shop. Training occurred only in spare moments.
Hyrox has changed its rules after a world champion soiled herself during a race in Beijing – and was allowed to continue.Joanna Wietrzyk became unwell but pushed on to win, despite faeces contaminating the course and shared equipment.🔗 https://t.co/kFGIgkvXuV pic.twitter.com/5YrIIH0bfw
Now a full-time professional athlete, he recently left his job to chase international competition and prioritize recovery. The move was designed to give himself the opportunity to reach his full potential on the global stage.
Inside the Stockholm Podium Finish
The Hyrox format demands an uncompromising mix of endurance and explosive strength. Competitors tackle 8,000 meters of running interwoven with the SkiErg, 200-kilogram sled pushes, burpees, rowing, and wall balls. This is the concept of Hyrox, a sport that is gaining increasing presence in Spain and also in Castellón.
In Stockholm, Viciedo battled through a field of 767 participants in the Pro category, finishing third overall and also placing third among athletes aged 25 to 29. This result builds upon a rapid trajectory that includes an Under-24 world title in Nice in 2024 and an Elite 15 doubles Pro runner-up finish in Chicago in 2025.
Sponsorships Bridge the Financial Gap
Despite the sport’s rapid professionalization, competing in Hyrox does not yet yield a full living through prize money alone. Income for top performers relies heavily on corporate backing, though awards for the Elite 15 category are on the rise.
Brands like Joma and MyProtein provided the financial stability that ultimately enabled Viciedo to step away from his previous employment: Gràcies a marques com Joma i MyProtein, que han confiat en mi, m’he pogut permetre fer el pas de deixar la feina i dedicar-me al 100% a l’Hyrox
, as he stated regarding the crucial support he received.
Rigorous Volume and Aerobic Focus
Viciedo’s preparation involves two daily sessions.
The Road to Hong Kong
The athlete maintains a busy schedule ahead, with several targets marked on his calendar, aiming to measure himself once again against the best after confirming in Stockholm that he already belongs to that group.
Origins in Valencia
Everything started in Valencia in 2022, where he competed in his very first event.
Related reading
