We called it one of the greatest ever sporting comebacks and someone who knows far more than us has underlined just how special Hayden Wilde‘s T100 London victory was.
Jan Frodeno won Olympic gold in 2008 and then put his name in the hat for GOAT status at middle and long distance.
He’s brought his expertise to the T100 broadcast in the last couple of seasons in brilliant fashion and is always someone well worth listening to.
And talking after Wilde crossed the line, he said: “I can’t think of a bigger comeback in sports. He’s a superfreak!”
Remarkable return
Wilde was hit by a truck while out riding in Japan in May which left him with a punctured lung, six broken ribs, and a smashed-up scapula on his left shoulder.
He’s documented his recovery and remarkably it has been less than 100 days from that crash to his comeback.
He was less than a minute back in the swim in what must have been his most challenging discipline given the shoulder issue, looked strong on the bike and then unleashed a devastating run to take the victory.
Speaking afterwards, Wilde said: “You’re always a little bit afraid going into the swim. 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.”
‘Always a bit cautious’
Talking in more detail about his build into London, Wilde added: “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.
“You have a big injury, you have three months off and you do have some negative thoughts in your mind. That was the first swim bike I’ve had since Singapore. Three months without doing that, you’re always a big cautious.
“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.
“The next T100 is in Frejus. I’ll be looking to having an easier week next week. 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.”
And by all accounts there is the chance Wilde races both T100 French Riviera in Frejus and then the WTCS race that same weekend – but he’s just shown that nothing is impossible…
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