New Zealand triathlon superstar Hayden Wilde has provided an update on his condition following a horror bike crash in Japan earlier this week.
The Olympic silver medallist had started the season in exceptional form, winning the opening round of the World Championship Triathlon Series (WTCS) in Abu Dhabi before claiming a stunning win at T100 Singapore in early April.
Wilde also smashed his 10K personal best in the ASICS Tokyo Speed Race last weekend, a day before he was knocked off his bike causing multiple injuries.
Wilde not out of the woods
The New Zealand sensation took to Instagram on Friday to give an update on his recovery, admitting that he will need surgery in Belgium this weekend:
“Overall, five ribs were fractured plus a hairline in a sixth rib. Also issues with the Scapula, a damaged lung and a few hip stitches.
“No surgery on the lung so I was able to leave the hospital for a few days. With the hard work my team has put in I’m allowed an emergency medical flight with Dr medic assistance just in case. Back in Belgium for surgery and hopefully an operation on Sunday maybe Monday.
Hayden has a long way to go
“Not out of the woods yet a long travel to go. Special mention to @sammayhew1 for flying over and taking care of the logistics medically PK from @triathlonnz for the logistics and my internal team for all the other bits and pieces. Also, @redbulljapan and @asics for all the help on the ground in Japan”
“Last but not least to @hannedevet for flying over and keeping the vibes high.”
Encouraging news that the Kiwi star has been able to leave Japan – it was thought due to his lung damage that a long stay in the Asian country may have been required.
Are we in a triathlon boom, or hurtling towards burnout? Laura Siddall on the growth of the sport
