Hayden Wilde

Biography

Hayden Wilde, the soaring Kiwi of triathlon, holds the No 1 world ranking and a heart of steel. Born in picturesque Taupo in 1997, Hayden's journey to Olympic and Commonwealth glory is a testament to his unwavering spirit. Affectionately known as ‘the falcon,' Wilde's ability to swoop in and conquer races from behind is legendary. His bronze triumph in Tokyo 2021 resonated across New Zealand, breaking a 13-year Olympic medal drought in triathlon. While 2022 presented its challenges, with a controversial penalty in Birmingham denying him gold, Wilde's integrity and sportsmanship shone through. A native of Whakatane, Hayden's path to triathlon stardom began at Trident High School, where his athletic prowess blossomed. Watching the Brownlee brothers' epic duel at Rio 2016 ignited Hayden's competitive fire, propelling him to world titles and podium finishes. Under the mentorship of coach Craig Kirkwood, Hayden's ascent to the pinnacle of triathlon is a tale of grit and glory, inspiring a nation and the world.