Hayden Wilde
Just 98 days after a life-threatening crash in Japan, New Zealand triathlete Hayden Wilde stunned the sporting world with a triumphant return to elite racing - winning the prestigious London T100 Triathlon at the city’s Excel venue.
Wilde, nicknamed “The Falcon,” was struck by a truck on a training ride in early May, suffering a punctured lung, six broken ribs, and a fractured scapula that required surgery.
Few expected him to race again for the season, let alone dominate a world-class field. But on Sunday, August 10, Wilde defied the odds, flying past his competitors to take the tape in one of the most dramatic comebacks in triathlon history.
“You’re always a little bit afraid going into the swim,” Wilde said post-race.
“Which is why I went to the left-hand side to give myself a little space and leeway. I wanted to be a bit more cautious and for me that was a good move.”
Despite the physical and mental toll of his recovery, Wilde showed no hesitation in the race itself.
“I wasn’t afraid of the race at all. I’m used to racing these guys. I know what the level is. I knew what my level was going into it,” he said.
“You have a big injury, you have three months off and you do have some negative thoughts in your mind.”
The London T100 marked Wilde’s first full swim-bike-run since Singapore, and his performance left commentators speechless. Olympic champion and T100 TV commentator Jan Frodeno declared, “I can’t think of a bigger comeback in sports. He’s a superfreak!”
Wilde credited his support team for helping him through the recovery process.
“I didn’t even realise I had two plates in my back after three weeks. My team has been incredible. Obviously it wasn’t just me doing it. But you have to put in the discipline.”
With the next T100 event set for Fréjus, France, Wilde plans to take a well-earned break.
“It’s been a big three months. I’m going to chill out now as it’s also been a big mental effort as well as physical one,” he said.