Commonwealth Games: Hayden Wilde's "amazing" act of sportsmanship in controversial triathlon finish

Kiwi Hayden Wilde has won hearts around the world for an "amazing" act of sportsmanship during the final stages of his triathlon event at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

Wilde won 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 winning the gold medal.

However, right before Wilde served his penalty, the two competitors, who are great mates, shared a heartwarming moment in the last seconds of the race - with Wilde giving Yee a high five.

The act of "wonderful sportsmanship" was widely applauded on social media, with one viewer writing: "An amazing moment between two amazing triathletes on the home straight in Birmingham."

The 24-year-old could still end up with a gold medal after the New Zealand team launched an official protest on his behalf.

Despite Wilde 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.