A promising talent in triathlon, Hayden Wilde – also known as ‘The Maltese Falcon’ – is a triathlete from New Zealand. Wilde made an impact at the Tokyo 2020 Triathlon Test Event when he clinched the bronze medal after the race of his life against a field containing some of the best triathletes in the world, including two-time Olympic medallist Jonathan Brownlee. Reaching the podium meant Wilde gained points towards qualification for the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021 and he is one step closer to fulfilling his Olympic dream.

A series of impressive results throughout 2019 – including four top 10 finishes – saw Wilde finish 11th in the World Triathlon Series Ranking. The aspiring Olympian also demonstrated his strength as a runner when he won the 5000m at the New Zealand national track and field championships in 2020.

Born in Whakatane, New Zealand, Wilde comes from a long distance off road background, but made the switch to ITU Triathlon so he could pursue his dream of competing in the Olympics. Wilde won the u19 Xterra World Championship twice and was ITU Cross Tri U23 World Champion, and since transitioning to ITU Triathlon has risen through the ranks in just three years to become a threat to the best triathletes in the world. After pulling off the race of his life to take bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Test Event, Wilde is one to watch for Tokyo 2021 and beyond.