Hayden Wilde moves to middle distance

New Zealand triathlon star, Hayden Wilde, has surprised the sporting world by announcing a significant change in his career.

The two-time world champion of Triathlon World Series (WTCS), known for his explosiveness at short distances, will focus on middle distances from 2025, taking a strategic break from the circuit.

This decision opens up a range of possibilities for the athlete's future, including the possibility of venturing into the HOMBRE DE HIERRO long distance.

A Strategic Break from the Short Circuit

At 27 years old, Wilde, after an exceptional 2024 season where he came close to glory in the Paris Olympics and the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Taupō, has decided to take a break from the intense calendar of the WTCS.

Despite failing to win gold in either competition, his daring racing style and athleticism have made him an international superstar.

What does this change mean for Wilde's Olympic future?

This two-year “break” from the WTCS does not mean a retirement from short-distance triathlon.

Wilde plans to compete in some circuit races to maintain his ranking, but his main focus will be on the middle distance.

This strategic move will allow her to mentally recharge her batteries and explore new facets of her performance, without completely moving away from the short distance, preparing for the Olympic cycle that will culminate in Los Angeles 2028.

Wilde declared to the New Zealand broadcaster RNZ: "I'm taking a two-year break from the World Triathlon Series, I need a mental break.

I'm not saying I won't be racing, but I won't be focusing heavily on the World Championship series, I might do one or two races a year in the series just to maintain my ranking.

But as soon as the LA Olympic window opens I'll be back full time in short distance triathlon, but for now it's all about experimenting with the longer distances, and I'll definitely keep trying the short distance, but not as much as I normally would, it'll be nice to have a little refresher.".

Will we see Wilde in a full IRONMAN?

The question that naturally arises is whether this shift to middle distance is a prelude to his foray into long-distance IRONMAN.

Wilde himself has left the door open to this possibility, although not in the short term.Give me four years, after LA. I don't want to lose all my speed. So I need to keep it up for LA. But in 2028 I would love to go to Kona or the full IRONMAN distance.“Wilde confessed.

Only time will tell. For now, we will focus on following his steps in the middle distance and enjoying this new chapter in the career of one of the most charismatic figures in world triathlon.