Tauranga triathlete Hayden Wilde has finished third at the Olympic Test event in Tokyo.

Hayden was up with the leaders through all three disciplines and was a part of a three-man group that got away on the run to decide the placings.

He expressed his delight at his placing on a post on his Facebook page.

'Top 10 I would have been over the moon with but my first podium at this level and especially at the Tokyo test event is the best feeling and words can't describe how I'm feeling!” says Hayden in his post. 'Would like to thank all my friends, family and sponsors that have supported me up to this moment.”

The podium finish means Hayden is well placed to gain a spot in the New Zealand team for next year's Olympics. Over this last three events he has won sixth, fourth and now third place, showing that he is continuing to improve in the lead up to the Olympics.

'It's time to refocus and help support my team and be prepared to race or not to race I'll be there!! So make sure you get behind team nz. Then off to Switzerland world championship in 2 weeks' time!!!!”

Hayden was a member of the New Zealand team that won the World Triathlon Mixed Relay Series in Canada last month. He saw the Tokyo event as a good test run to trial the Olympic course where the event will be run in just under a year, and also get one foot in the door for Tokyo 2020.

First and second place went to Canadian Tyler Mislawchuk and Norway's Casper Stornes respectively.