Search
shop

‘Never give up’ – Hayden Wilde puts Abu Dhabi flat tyre woe behind him

He may have finished way down the field in the WTCS opener but as Hayden Wilde explains there was a good reason for that.
News Director
Last updated -
STRENGTH. ENDURANCE. PERFORMANCE.

The results may show Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist Hayden Wilde finished only 46th in the WTCS season-opener in Abu Dhabi – but that doesn’t come close to telling the full story.

The reigning Super League champion came within a whisker of being crowned World Champion in Abu Dhabi last November, his cause not helped by a pre-race fever – nor a positive Covid test not long after.

And after returning to the UAE it soon became apparent he was out of luck again as he was quickly distanced on the bike – thanks to a rear flat tyre.

Advertisement

Quitting not an option

Providing detail on what happened on his Instagram feed – and seemingly having since watched the live feed which wondered why he kept going as great rival Alex Yee powered to the win – the Kiwi said: “QUITTING was never an option, commentary on the other hand thought I should have tossed it in.

“Disappointed I couldn’t show off what I had on the day.”

Hayden Wilde bike leg Abu Dhabi WTCS 2023 photo credit Wagner Araujo World Triathlon
Wilde’s chances were scuppered by bike issue [Photo credit: Wagner Araujo / World Triathlon]

Wilde was actually out of the water a fraction ahead of Manoel Messias, who would go onto take third overall, and his 5km run of 14:42 was only bettered by the front three, all underlining what a devastating effect the bike issue had on his overall result.

Talking through the race, Wilde explained:

“Felt good in the swim but a poor decision going too wide swimming 20m extra cost me a good chunk of time in the water but I felt physically good and not under pressure.

“From being 2mins down from the first lap after my flat tire out of transition. For me it turned into a good old workout.

“Riding solo I was surprised I only lost 30secs over 4 1/2 laps.

“Overall actually really happy how I ran after a good push on the bike.

Hayden Wilde clocked 14:42 on the 5km at WTCS Abu Dhabi 2023 photo credit Wagner Araujo
Wilde clocked an impressive 14:42 on the run [Photo credit: Wagner Araujo / World Triathlon]

“Probably the happiest 46th-place guy you’ll meet if I’m just looking at pure performance 🤣.”

And whatever’s up next for Wilde, it’s clear he’s got one big plus point to take from Abu Dhabi, adding: “NEVER QUIT, NEVER GIVE UP. No matter the result. If you start quitting when the times are tough that’ll just make you mentally weaker when you’re pushing for the win in the next race.”

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Dave Ellis / Luke Pollard - World Para Triathlon Championships Pontevedra 2023
Golden opportunity – British Triathlon launches search for LA2028 paratriathlon guides
IRONMAN Lanzarote 2024 - Anne Haug on run course
Best marathon shoes for Ironman – the ‘legal’ super shoes you CAN wear to level up your run split
Challenge Sanremo 2024 - Photo: Jose Luis Hourcade
How to fuel your triathlon training: Expert nutritionist tips to help you nail every session
swim start IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2024 photo credit Tony Svensson IRONMAN
Level up your Ironman swim split – must-read tips from an expert swim coach
Ironman gear guide – everything you need to get to the finish line of a full distance triathlon
latest News
Taylor Knibb 2024 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship Taupo New Zealand
US triathlon phenom Taylor Knibb hails great rival Kat Matthews for record-breaking IRONMAN Texas win
Richard Varga Jonny Brownlee Arzachena
Triathlon legend Jonny Brownlee reveals ‘Last Dance’ motivation behind latest challenge
IRONMAN Kona 2022 Age Group Results
How will “re-imagined” IRONMAN World Championship at Kona actually look for Age Groupers?
Lucy Charles-Barclay IRONMAN World Championship Kona 2023 Finish
IRONMAN World Championship goes ALL IN on Kona again with men and women to race on same day from 2026
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
Nice gets consolation prize of 70.3 Worlds after IRONMAN World Championships return to Kona
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

Share to...