THERE is nothing better than getting together and cheering on a former pupil, and on Tuesday night that is what Trident High School will be doing in support of Hayden Wilde.

The world number two ranked triathlete is a strong medal chance for New Zealand at the Olympic Games, likely aiming for silver or gold this time around.

Back in 2020, when Wilde won bronze at the Tokyo Olympics, the school – and the rest of the town – went cock-a-hoop at his achievement.

There’s hope that come 8pm on Tuesday there will be more community cheering as Wilde crosses the finish line in the individual men’s triathlon.

Trident High School assistant principal Jon Stanhope said the school wanted to do their best to support and cheer Wilde on to glory at his second Olympics.

“We are exceptionally proud to be the secondary school which taught Hayden and all his whānau during their time in secondary school.

“We are blown away by all of Hayden’s achievements and we all follow his progress as his career continues to blossom.

The event starts at 5.45am and the school is opening its library for staff and students who want to gather to watch him in action.

“We will have a nice sausage sizzle on the go, so it promises to be a lovely evening,” Stanhope said.

“This will be open to all staff and students and we welcome their whānau along, too.”

Stanhope is hoping for a good turnout.

“The school is so excited about cheering on Hayden, we will be sending him kia manawa nui all the way from Trident.  

“We all believe he will get a medal at the very least and really, really hope it’s a gold one.”

Wilde attended Trident High School from 2011 to 2015.

His biggest rival in Paris will be the United Kingdom’s Alex Yee, who is the favourite at $2.25, while Wilde is at $4.