Olympic and World Title on Home Soil for Hayden Wilde in 2028? It’s Come a Step Closer

Olympic and World Title on Home Soil for Hayden Wilde in 2028? It’s Come a Step Closer

 

 

Hayden Wilde’s dream of securing Olympic and World Triathlon glory on home soil in 2028 has taken a major step closer, following a defining performance that confirms the Kiwi star remains firmly on track for the biggest season of his career.

With the 2028 Olympic Games set to take place in Brisbane, Australia — as close to a home crowd as the Whakatāne native could wish for — Wilde has made no secret of his ambition: to claim gold in front of his Trans-Tasman supporters and, in the same season, secure his first World Triathlon Championship title.

Now, after a dominant win at the latest World Triathlon Series stop in Montreal and a string of consistent podium finishes, Wilde has climbed to the top of the World Triathlon Championship rankings. With just two races left in the 2025 season, he’s become the favourite to clinch his maiden world title — a long-awaited accolade after near-misses in 2022 and 2023.

“I’ve been building towards this for a long time,” Wilde said post-race in Montreal. “The Olympic Games in Brisbane has been a target since it was announced. But to get there in the shape I want to be in, winning a world title first has always been the plan.”

The 27-year-old’s progression has been steady and intentional. After earning bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Wilde cemented himself as one of the sport’s most aggressive and entertaining racers. Known for his lightning-fast run leg and tactical nous, he’s become a regular fixture on the WTS podium.

But 2025 feels different. Under a new coaching setup and with a refined approach to training and recovery, Wilde appears more consistent than ever — avoiding injury setbacks that previously hampered full-season campaigns.

Triathlon New Zealand’s High Performance Director, Sarah Tuckwell, believes Wilde is entering his prime at the perfect moment. “Hayden’s maturity, discipline, and self-belief have taken a big leap this season,” she said. “He’s racing smarter, and he’s hungry. Brisbane 2028 could be very special.”

With the Olympics now less than three years away, the prospect of Wilde peaking for a gold medal bid on near-home turf is tantalising — not just for Kiwi fans, but for the sport in the region.

In fact, New Zealand hasn’t seen an Olympic triathlon gold since Hamish Carter’s legendary win in Athens 2004. Wilde, already dubbed by some as Carter’s spiritual successor, could be the one to bring that glory back.

First, though, is the challenge of closing out the 2025 WTS season strong — and proving that he can handle the pressure of a title run. If Montreal was anything to go by, Wilde is more than ready.

From Tokyo bronze to the top of the world, and soon, possibly, Olympic gold in Brisbane — Hayden Wilde’s story may just be entering its golden chapter