It would be difficult to find two better ambassadors for the sport of triathlon than Hayden Wilden and Alex Yee, and they proved it again in the Olympic Games triathlon at Paris 2024 on Wednesday.
These two sensational triathlon superstars have built one of the sport’s great rivalries in recent years, one laced with not only the highest standards of competition, but the highest level of respect.
They produced their greatest battle of all on the streets of the French capital to conclude an epic men’s race in the most dramatic of fashion.
Wilde, having fought back from a deficit after the swim to lead early on the run, appeared set to claim famous gold for New Zealand as he stormed clear. Yee, it appeared, had no answers.
But then, from 14 seconds down at the start of the last of four 2.5km run laps, the 26-year-old British sensation hauled himself back into contention with a trademark surge through the gears, and passed his rival in the stages to win the sport’s biggest prize.
Wilde shows incredible sportsmanship
Wilde must have been crestfallen after coming so close to the ultimate victory, but instead he sat on the blue carpet next to his great rival, put his arm around him, and congratulated him.
The moment created an enduring sporting image which will last for generations, but Wilde was not done. Later in the day he took to social media and his Instagram Story to say just what he thinks about Yee, and what happened in Paris on Wednesday.
He shared that image of them together on the blue carpet, and on it penned a beautifully simple message, one which showcases again the sort of camaraderie that few sports do better.
His message was simple but powerful, reading: “Love yah mate. Deserved Olympic champ”.
Rough race for Hayden
The early part of the race had been a tough one for Wilde as he came out of the water with plenty of ground to make up. He revealed later just why – a punch in the face during a swim which was apparently quite the battle.
He said: “Good punch in the face on the swim. Probably one of the most aggressive swims in a long time grabbing feet pushed down.”
The 27-year-old from Taupō, who had claimed bronze in Tokyo three years ago, wasn’t complaining though as he added: “But don’t worry wouldn’t have changed the results loved that battle so good!!!”
The Yee vs Wilde rivalry is becoming one of elite sport’s very finest, and one of the greatest in triathlon history. What happened on Wednesday just whetted the appetite for more, and long may it continue.
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