Special place in the heart
As he prepares for Dubai, Wilde says racing in the UAE holds a special place in his heart. “It’s super special for me. I spend a lot of time in Abu Dhabi, but I love coming to Dubai — it’s such a massive, vibrant city. Racing here is a cool opportunity, and I’m looking forward to navigating the heat and humidity and hopefully crossing the finish line first.”
Wilde’s determination has already paid off on the biggest stages. At the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, he claimed the silver medal in the men’s individual triathlon, finishing behind Britain’s Alex Yee after leading for large portions of a thrilling race. The result added to his Tokyo 2020 bronze, cementing his place among triathlon’s elite.
Looking ahead, Wilde has his sights set firmly on the future — and another Olympic podium. “For the new year, I’ll have new targets,” he said. “The big goal is getting back to the Olympics in Los Angeles 2028, but for now, I’ve got a year to experiment, try new things, and build toward that. From 2027 onwards, it’ll be full focus on the Games.”
From hospital bed to victory podium, Hayden Wilde’s journey is a testament to grit, resilience, and the unbreakable spirit of an athlete who refuses to be defined by setbacks. As he lines up in Dubai this weekend, one thing is certain — the Kiwi is back, stronger and hungrier than ever.
Jai is a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of experience across India and the UAE, specialising in sports reporting. Throughout his distinguished career, he has had the privilege of covering some of the biggest names and events in sports, including cricket, tennis, Formula 1 and golf.
A former first-division cricket league captain himself, he brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a cricketer’s discipline to his work. His unique blend of athletic insight and journalistic expertise gives him a wide-ranging perspective that enriches his storytelling, making his coverage both detailed and engaging.
Driven by an unrelenting passion for sports, he continues to craft compelling narratives that resonate with readers. As the day winds down for most, he begins his work, ensuring that the most captivating stories make it to the print edition in time for readers to receive them bright and early the next morning.
