Hayden Wilde has won the first medal for New Zealand at the Tokyo Olympics, has dedicated his medal to his father who passed away 12 years ago and to his family who live in Whakatane.
Hayden Wilde’s coach, Craig Kirkwood was stoked with the achievement and said that Hayden did his 100 per cent best and their plan worked marvellously.
Even with a terrible race start, with a disconnect between the race officials and the broadcast launchers, a false start, and a big launch that was blocking the athletes.
Hayden Wilde kept on pushing and came out with an Olympic Bronze medal and “couldn’t be prouder” he said.
Hayden is hoping to claim another medal when he teams up with Reid, Nicole van der Kaay and Ainsley Thorpe in the mixed relay event on Saturday.
