Duffy Wins Silver Medal At World Triathlon Leeds
[Updated] Bermuda’s Flora Duffy has made another outstanding showing, claiming a silver medal at the 2016 ITU Columbia Threadneedle World Triathlon Leeds held today [June 12] in England.
The race included a two-lap wetsuit swim, a technical bike course and a four-lap 10km run in the city centre of Leeds. Duffy held the lead for most of the race, with the USA’s Gwen Jorgensen overtaking her in the final minutes to claim the gold, however Duffy held on to claim the silver in a time of in a time of 2:01:24.
Duffy runs past as her supporters display the Bermuda flag in the stands:
Vicky Holland from Great Britain claimed the bronze, Jodie Stimpson from Great Britain was 4th and Barbara Riveros from Chile rounded out the top five.
The international field of athletes also included elite competitors from New Zealand, Netherlands, Japan, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Hungary, Australia, South Africa, and the United States.
The Bermudian athlete went into today’s race holding the top spot in the 2016 ITU World Triathlon Series Rankings, and according to their website she still continues to hold the #1 position, with a total of 2691 points.
Update: 12.44pm: Speaking after the race with Triathlon.org, Duffy said: “Starting the run with Gwen behind you is always a bit of a terrifying thing, but I am happy with how things went today. I had to do a lot of work on the bike, the British girls were not working with me, they had some team tactics.
“They were told they had to ride a certain way so I was the only one who could put in work, if I had help perhaps I could have run a little bit better and perhaps we could have had a little more time, but that is racing, that is team tactics.
“I am the only Bermudian, someday I hope there is an army of Bermudians I hope to help, but yeah it was a great day for me, I am super happy.
“It is a really cool moment for me to be able to wear the gold number. My parents are here and it is the first time that they have seen me race this year, so to be able to wear the gold number and be leading the race it feels incredible. It is one step closer to Rio and this is how I want to race in Rio.”
The full results of the elite women’s race are below [PDF here]
Flora you are awesome. Triathlon is the fastest growing participatory sport in the world and you are our island queen. You are our island queen and no one else will ever match this level of athletic achievement. Guts and determination.
Congrats “Super Woman”Duffy! I always look forward to you competing. World class that is top notch. You should be very proud as you have spread your talent, hard work, and dedication on the rest of the world. I agree I hope others get involved as well. You have touched my heart. Keep up the good work! Super Woman Duffy.
Congratulations Flora! Great job!