Commonwealth Games 2022: Hayden Wilde praised for 'amazing' act of sportsmanship in controversial triathlon finish

Hayden Wilde gives Alex Yee a low five during the dying stags of the triathlon. Photo / Sky

Kiwi Hayden Wilde has been praised for an act of sportsmanship during the dying stages of his triathlon event at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Wilde took out New Zealand's first medal of the Games but had to settle for silver after he was controversially handed a 10-second penalty for removing his helmet too early at the end of the bike leg.

It meant Wilde was denied a chance at a sprint finish with England's Alex Yee, who ended up taking the gold medal.

The two competitors, who are great mates, shared a nice moment during the final stages of the race, with Wilde giving Yee a high five before he served his 10-second penalty.

"There was a high five between the two. There is great spirit there," said the television commentator.

The act of "wonderful sportsmanship" was widely applauded on social media.

"An amazing moment between two amazing triathletes on the home straight in Birmingham," said one fan on Twitter.

🥇 Our first medal and a beautiful moment.

🏅 Congratulations @TeamEngland’s @Lixsanyee

👏 Wonderful sportsmanship @TheNZTeam’s Hayden Wilde#CommonwealthGames #B2022

pic.twitter.com/pdDNU07Ead

— Commonwealth Sport (@thecgf) July 29, 2022

However, not everyone saw it as a heartwarming moment, with many disagreeing with the penalty call on Wilde.

"What a load of bull****. Award Wilde the gold he deserves," said one fan on Twitter.

Wilde could still yet end up with a gold medal after the New Zealand team launched an official protest on the his behalf.

Despite the 24-year-old Kiwi happily accepting the silver medal at Sutton Park, the outcome of that appeal could take up to 30 days to determine.

Yee will not be denied the victory he fairly earned but, if the Kiwis' protest is successful, a second gold medal may be awarded.

Wilde was understandably upset about the initial ruling around his penalty, and labelled the decision "bull****".

But he didn't take anything away from his friendly rival Yee, later saying "he absolutely deserves it".

"We're amazing mates behind the scenes and we're great rivals on the course. I do not want to take that medal away from him – he absolutely deserves it," Wilde said.

"When I crossed the line, I told everyone that there was nothing we could do now. But it sounds like we can try to do something. I don't know too much about it."