Separating friendship from the emotions of competition when a contentious penalty at the Commonwealth Games enabled Brit Alex Yee to take the win, the New Zealander won plaudits for the way he handled his disappointment.
If there was a masterclass in sportsmanship, Hayden Wilde showcased it at the business end of the men’s sprint triathlon at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham in July.
Heading into the final bend in a head-to-head tussle with frenemy Alex Yee of England, the New Zealander – who will be racing at the World Triathlon Championship Series in the UK leg from 29-30 July – was given a 10-second penalty for a contentious transition from bike to run, cited as having unclipped his helmet before racking his bike.
The handicap needed to be served in a penalty box in the final throes of the race, but before peeling off the track to serve his time, Wilde reached out a hand to his foe for a high-five slap of palms – or a low-five slap of palms even, as both were presumably too exhausted after a 750km swim, 20km bike ride and 5km run to go the high route – before leaving his good mate and fierce rival headed down the blue carpet to the finish line for the win in front of his home crowd.
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GOLD!! Alex Yee has won the first gold of the 2022 Commonwealth Games!! 🏴🥇
And this was so classy from Hayden Wilde, who knew he had a time penalty and applauded Yee into the lead 👏👏
Watch live: https://t.co/it7vQUlyns #BBCCWG pic.twitter.com/ykNoY0a16S— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 29, 2022