The New Zealand Olympic triathlon team for Tokyo has been named - but there's a been controversy over the selection process. 

11th ranked Hayden Wilde will spearhead the quartet.

Tayler Reid's been given the second men's spot over the higher-ranked Sam Ward.

Several athletes appealed their omissions, but the retirement of Sophie Corbidge has paved the way for the naming of Ainsley Thorpe and Nicole van der Kaay in the women's.

Sports broadcaster Mark Watson told D'Arcy Waldegrave that he is a big believer in sending the best athletes to the Olympics, and Ward should have been picked, and has been devastated by the choice

"They believe for the nature of this relay that Taylor Reid perhaps offers a little bit more."

He says that he wants to know how many opportunities Ward received to compete in the races. 

And he does not believe that the two women selected are worthy enough to be called Olympians - noting that other competitors have missed out on going to the Olympics by seconds who would have been more worthy of representing New Zealand. 

"If they aren't good enough, don't send them."

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