Duffy: “It’s Nice To Be Back For A Local Triathlon”
Flora Duffy returned to the Island to help inspire Bermuda’s triathletes when she took part in the annual Tokio Millennium Re Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon event on Sunday.
The world champion took part in the swimming leg of a winning team, and stayed throughout the event, where she was surrounded by young fans.
“It was nice to be back here for a local triathlon. I grew up racing here and it’s nice to come back. TMR is a sponsor of mine so it is great to support them.”
She was taken aback by the amount of support she received especially from the young people who “kind of surrounded me. It was a little overwhelming, but it was cute. They all watch my races and it is inspiring them, that is really wonderful to see”.
Audio comments from Flora Duffy
This year TMR decided that instead of trophies and prize money, it would make a donation to the Bermuda Paralympic Association.
Ann Lindroth the President of Bermuda Paralympic Association, and Lorrie Lewis, mother of Jessica Lewis, Bermuda’s Paralympian who is also sponsored by TMR, were presented a cheque for $3,500.
Ms. Lindroth said: “We cannot thank TMR enough for their support. Raising money is never easy and it’s so necessary for our athletes because all of their races and therefore training take place overseas. This donation is therefore really appreciated. TMR supports a lot of Bermuda’s athletes and I am sure all of them are very grateful for everything they do.”
TMR also awarded the winning team in the School Challenge $500 for their school. Saltus was the winning school for both the Middle and Senior age groups.
Slideshow of the running portion of this Sunday’s Tokio Re Triathlon:
.
Kathleen Faries, Head of Bermuda at TMR, said she had been delighted to see so many athletes of all ages and abilities take part.
“I always enjoy this event,” she said. “I love to see the expectation and excitement of the competitors in the run-up to the start. There is so much energy, all of it positive, and so much camaraderie. It is great to see.”
Winners in each category were:
- Junior Duathlon – ages 7-10 Jamie MacFarlane & K Wade
- Junior Duathlon – ages 7-10 Callum MacFarlane & Charlotte Millington
- Junior Duathlon – ages 11-14 Tommy Marshall & Jessie Marshall
- Middle School Team Saltus Junior Knights, Kyle Cash, Tommy Marshall, Jake Brislane
- Senior School Team Saltus Reds, Jak Froud, Ben Edwards, Nirobi Smith-Mills
- Primary School Team BHS, Nell Wightman, Charlotte Millington, Camryn Lines
- Try-A-Tri [1] Meghan Diel, [2] Chris Desilva, [3] Peter Illston
- Senior Individual Matt Thompson, Karen Smith [4th overall]
- Female Team [top overall] Tokyo 2020, Flora Duffy, Ashley Estwanik, Martina Olcheski-Bell
- Insurance Team Tokio Millennium Re, Nick Taylor, Dave McComas, Sean Kelly
- Corporate Team Butterfield & Vallis, Spencer Butterfield, Mark Lombardi, Peter Tobin
- Mixed Team Marshans, Pet Crayford, Mike Parrish, Virginie Salzard