Photos: Flora Duffy Given ‘Key To The City’
Mayor of Hamilton Charles Gosling presented Olympic champion Flora Duffy with the ‘Key to the City’ today.
“The formal presentation of a ‘Key to the City’ is a symbolic gesture of honour and respect bestowed upon trusted individuals,” a spokesperson explained.
“The tradition can be traced back to medieval times when cities were enclosed by walls and locked gates and required an actual key for entry. The key symbolizes the freedom of the recipient to enter and leave the city at will, as a trusted friend of city residents.
“In order to be eligible to receive a Key to the City of Hamilton, the individual, while having made an outstanding achievement in sport, community or humanitarian work, must also be in good moral standing in the community.
Addressing Flora Duffy directly during his speech, Mayor Gosling said: “The City of Hamilton is absolutely delighted to celebrate your Olympic gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympic Games in July. Like many Bermudians, my family and I watched with pride as you stormed to victory during the Women’s Triathlon. To watch you cross the finish line was an absolutely euphoric moment. And, in case you hadn’t heard, the entire island celebrated your victory!
“Your monumental win marked an astounding moment of ‘firsts’ for Bermuda – the first time Bermuda has won a Gold medal at the Olympics, the first time a Bermudian female has won a medal at the Olympics and it also makes Bermuda the least populated nation in Olympic history to ever win a gold medal at the Summer Olympics.
“Thank you for representing Bermuda so exceptionally and for all your hard work and dedication. Thank you for incredible contribution to sport and to Bermuda. You have inspired a generation of young athletes.
“I also want to thank you the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Sport for finding an appropriate way for our island to celebrate you. Flora, you are a role model to us all.”
What an amazing feat. Congratulations, Flora!