Jess Spradley, a 34-year-old physical therapist, represented D1 Cool Springs (TN) at last weekend's HYROX event in Atlanta.
In her first-ever HYROX competition, Spradley placed in the top 20% of the Women’s Open division, finishing with a time of 1:22:01—despite some confusion with official chip timing that later recorded her at 1:32:01. Based on her actual finishing time, she ranked 162 out of 810 participants. Though the discrepancy was frustrating, she took it in stride, proud of her performance in such a demanding race.
With a background in triathlons and 24-hour Tough Mudder events, Spradley is no stranger to physical challenges. But HYROX offered something new: a relentless test of endurance and full-body strength with no breaks. “I had to become very comfortable with being uncomfortable,” Spradley said of the experience. “It pushed me in a completely different way.”
Spradley lives in Murfreesboro, Tenn., and works as a sports medicine-focused physical therapist in Franklin. She is part of Training Room, which partners with D1 to provide elite-level physical therapy, chiropractic, and recovery services. “We treat every client as if they were a D1 athlete,” explains Spradley, who includes former NFL star and current Bowling Green State football coach Eddie George among her clients. “Whether it’s a weekend warrior or a professional, our goal is always the same—help them perform at their best and get to the next level.”
Though it was Spradley's first HYROX event, it won’t be her last. The race may have tested her limits, but it also lit a fire for what’s to come.