Video: Burch & Duffy Return From Olympics
Two of Bermuda’s Olympians returned home last night [Aug 13], with Roy Allan Burch and Flora Duffy arriving onboard the British Airways flight.
Roy Allan Burch delivered his fastest time ever on the world stage, clocking 22.47 in the 50m freestyle heat setting a new Bermuda record, winning the heat and placing 24th overall.
Despite suffering both a crash and mechanical issues, Flora Duffy managed to finish the women’s triathlon in 45th position. Prior to her crash Duffy came out the swim in 23rd and was shown on TV leading the cycling chase pack.
Duffy said she had went into the race in great shape, and had high expectations for herself and her crash “ruined everything” which was tough to deal with.
The 23-year-old said she is looking at the 2016 Rio Olympics where she hopes to perform even better. “I am looking forward to Rio….looking back at London I am sure I will learn some lesson from it,” she said.
“Just as we are from a small island doesn’t mean we can’t perform well at the Olympics,” Duffy said. “I think I showed this year I can perform on the world stage by winning the World Cup.”
Asked about a comment levied at our athletes, Burch said: “It’s easy for people to sit back and criticize us for not getting medals.
“They don’t understand how much money is invested in the countries that do get medals. There are 930 medals that go out, and 700 or so go to 22 countries. 76 countries won medals out of 205. It’s difficult, its not easy to do.
“I think we are moving forward, and there are things we can do to put us even closer. The position we are putting ourselves in…the future….whoever is coming behind us will be in an even better position to get medals.
“We have to decide what we want as Bermudians. If we don’t support that idea, we are not going to have it. If we do get together and support the idea of great high athletic performances then that’s what we will have.”
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Well said Roy and , it all began when that dimwit minister took away the well needed and well deserved athelete of the year award a few years back from you . Anyways , welcome home Flora (I love that name) and Roy , you guys make me proud to be a Bermudian .
Great job guys!!! Welcome home
All of you have done what most of Bermuda could not do. You’ll never get it wrong and it’s never done. Continue to strive for your dreams and thank you for representing Bermuda in your individual sports. Hats off to each one of you!
Wow – Roy Burch – what a handsome and talented man
Congratulations to you both and our other athletes. you all did an amazing job. I hope and pray you get the full support to continue training and head to Rio in 2016. God Bless
Much pride and respect to both of you, as well as the rest of the athletes representing Bermuda in the London 2012 Olympics. Regardless of circumstances, you competed well. Blessings to you all for continued success.
Welcome back Roy and Flora! Thank you for your hard work and representing our country so well. I would have love to know when you were arriving, it would have been nice to be at the airport for your arrival.
Proud of you !
Well done guys, and well done London, the best Olympics yet!