Gabriella was born for this
Gabriella Moriarty started running at age 10 and never stopped. Through high school and university, she focused on long-distance track and eventually moved into marathons. But after years of injuries, a friend convinced her to try a Hyrox class. She could barely move the sled — but something sparked.
Since that moment, Moriarty has made a rapid ascent. After a 1:11 finish at last year's Hyrox World Championship in Nice, she delivered a breakthrough performance at the Barcelona Last Chance Qualifier in April — clocking a 1:04:07 and placing 7th against some of the sport’s best. She was in the running for a qualifying spot in the Elite 15 until a string of no reps at the wall balls dashed her chances.
The Hybrid Letter spoke with Gabriella about her shift from distance running to hybrid competition, her rise in the rankings, and how grit — not just speed — drives her forward.
This interview was edited for length and clarity.
The Hybrid Letter: How did you get started in athletics?
Gabriella Moriarty: I started as a long-distance track runner when I was 10. To be honest, I never did anything else. At school, I tried all kinds of sports—netball, hockey—but only because I could run. I didn’t have any real skills or technique. I was just the one who could chase the ball down. But running was always my passion. I kept at it through high school and into university, where I took up events like the steeplechase. After that, in my early 20s, I moved onto road racing and eventually marathons.
THL: How did you find Hyrox?
GM: I used to think running was all I could do. But I was getting injured a lot in my late 20s and figured I had one more marathon in me, then I’d hang it up at that high level. But if you’ve been competitive your whole life, it’s hard to just stop. Two years ago, a friend invited me to a Hyrox class. I had no idea what it was. I could barely do any of it—couldn’t do wall balls, was collapsing at the sled—but I could run. Still, during that class, I got this unexplainable tingling feeling. It felt like magic. Like I’d found something I didn’t know I was looking for.
Then I learned you could compete in it. I was never good enough to be a full-time runner—I was always middle of the pack, never at an international level. But Hyrox made me feel like maybe I could be a full-time athlete. It felt like a dream coming true. I’m not there yet, but I never thought this could even be possible.
THL: From a mental standpoint, what are the similarities between Hyrox and distance running?
GM: In both, you’re in a constant argument with yourself the entire race. Especially in solo races, it’s all about mental toughness. That’s why I think so many women with endurance backgrounds—cycling, triathlon—are drawn to it. It’s just grit.
I never think about the whole race. Anything can happen at wall balls. I break it into segments. Once I’m at the burpees, I’m in rhythm. And I actually do well when people are yelling at me. I’m quite aggressive in my head.
THL: How has your training changed since transitioning to Hyrox?
GM: It’s nothing like anything I’ve done before. I’m actually running faster now than in my old running days, because it’s about strength and speed. People are figuring out how to train for it, and you’re seeing these women who are both fast and strong absolutely dominate. You need speed endurance—and you have to be able to run well in a compromised state.
I’d never done CrossFit, but my coach comes from that world and has introduced a lot of strength work. I’m honestly terrible at it—she tells me I’m so stiff—but I’ve come a long way. Learning how your body moves, getting rhythm in your movements, that helps.
Growing up in the running scene, I had a complex about my body. My thighs have been the same size since I was 14, and I was always twice the size of the other girls on the start line. My dad used to say, “There’s a sport out there for you. You’re an incredible runner, but I don’t think that’s what you’re built for.” My parents came to my first Hyrox and said, “This is it. This suits you.” I’d always done well in cross country and hills because I had strength. I just hadn’t realized how much that mattered—until now.
THL: What part of the race do you need to work on the most?
GM: Probably the start, which surprises people. I’ve never been a fast starter—I’ve always been the one who picks people off later in the race. But with Hyrox, you can’t let people get too far ahead. In a 1500-meter race, seconds separate everyone. But in Hyrox, if you fall too far behind, you can’t make that time up.
THL: What’s your Hyrox superpower?
GM: Burpee broad jumps. They’re such a mental battle, and I’m good at not letting the pain get in my head. I can push through it. That used to be my worst station, but since I started working with my new coach, we’ve focused on them a lot. Now they’re one of my strengths. I love the latter part of the race—when I’ve found my groove. That’s when I feel strongest.
THL: Was Barcelona on your radar all season?
GM: Not at all. I had hamstring tendonitis last year and hadn’t had a good running block. I was signed up for Glasgow in March, and we weren’t sure how it would go—but it went better than expected. Afterward, my coach said, “Let’s try Barcelona.” I said, “Do you really think I have a shot?” The level of talent among women right now is incredible. I love it—it’s exciting to see the hierarchy get shaken up. No one’s safe. So we found a ticket and had four weeks to prep.
THL: How did you feel about your result in Barcelona?
GM: I had no expectations. My coach told me, “You’re good enough to be there. It’s not a loss if you don’t qualify. It’s a chance to see where you stand.” I was just grateful to be on the start line, in the first wave. During the race, I had no clue where I was. When I hit the rower, I realized—oh, I’m in this.
My mom was yelling at me to stop looking around because I couldn’t believe it. It was me, Kris, and Tanya—just leapfrogging each other. I probably pushed too hard on the last run and ended up in fourth. Then I got crushed on wall balls—so many no-reps. You can’t argue with the judge. I had tears rolling down my face, just telling myself, keep going. It was my favorite race I’ve done.
THL: Did the race feel different from other pro races?
GM: Totally. I felt like my eyeballs were popping out of my skull. In other Pro races, I’ve won by a few minutes, so after the burpees I usually go on autopilot. No one’s pushing me. But in Barcelona, it was constant. People screaming, crowd everywhere. It felt like an Elite 15 race.
THL: What’s the plan between now and Worlds?
GM: No more races until Worlds. I’ll be doing Pro Singles and going for a podium. Barcelona gave me a big confidence boost, and now I know exactly what I need to work on—like sleds. They weren’t moving. Push is normally my strength, but all the girls said the same thing after: they’d never felt a sled like that. So we’re working on heavy sleds, speed, and refining technique. Judges are strict, and I don’t want to make any silly mistakes.
THL: What do you hope to bring to the sport as you make your push for the Elite 15?
GM: I don’t want to be like everyone else. I want to show my personality—my love and passion for the sport. We can get so serious trying to perform that we forget why we’re doing it. This level of training won’t last forever. I just want to make an impact and remind others not to put limits on themselves.
I never thought I could be one of the top girls in the UK, let alone contend for Elite 15. That’s a huge goal for next season. It’s so competitive now, especially with all these younger women coming through. After Barcelona, I did a cool-down jog with Sinead and Emilie. They’re so much younger—it was really sweet. I’m turning 32 this year, but I feel a lot of love and support from the other athletes. That camaraderie is special. Running could be a really bitchy sport at times. This feels different.
Follow Gabriella on Instagram.
Workout of the Week: Survive for 55
A classic burner:
Minutes 1-20: Max cal row
Minutes 20-30: Max burpee to plate
Minutes 30-50: Max cal run (or .075 x meters run)
Minutes 50-55: Max wall balls (race weight)
Your score = row cals + burpees + run cals + wall balls
Athlete of the Week: Marissa Palmer
Name: Marissa Palmer
Age: 40
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
When did you start hybrid training? I’ve done CrossFit for 12 years, but in 2022 I came across HYROX, decided to give it a shot, and fell in love. I was also thinking about trying triathlons, so I knew I needed to shift my training into more of a hybrid style—something that would prepare me across multiple sports.
Favorite race to date and why? Manchester Worlds 2023. The venue was breathtaking. I remember looking around and thinking, this feels surreal.
Do you have a race goal? I’d love to race in Berlin—that venue looks amazing. As far as time, that’s tough. As long as I’m improving and finishing knowing I gave it everything I had, I’m happy. But yes, I’d love to go sub-1:10!
Favorite station? Sled Pull. It’s one of the first stations where you really start to see the field separate. The athletes who went out too hot are already feeling it, while for others, the race is just beginning. I feel strong in the pull, so it’s easy to enjoy that one.
Least favorite station? Burpee broad jump…gross. It just crushes my soul every time. I am getting better at them—slowly—but it feels like that station takes a lifetime.
Things you wish you knew when you started racing? How much fuel and recovery your body actually needs to train for multiple sports. If you want to stay healthy and energized for every session, it’s not optional—it’s essential.