Duffy Finishes 5th, Hawley 41st, Smith 48th
[Updated] The Olympic women’s triathlon was held this morning [July 31] with Dame Flora Duffy racing to a 5th place finish in her fifth Olympic appearance for Bermuda and Erica Hawley finishing 41st in her Olympic debut.
The appearance by Dame Flora Duffy equaled the all-time record for Olympic appearances in the triathlon, she is now one of only two people in history to compete in five Olympic triathlons. The 36-year-old, competing in her fifth and final Olympics, only returned to competitive racing in May due to a knee injury, which kept her sidelined for 18 months.
Both triathletes were cheered on by a pink-shirt-wearing, Bermuda flag-waving supporters during the race, and the broadcast showed people waving Bermuda flags in the crowd.
The mere fact we have three athletes qualified in the triathlon is very impressive, as Bermudians make up approximately 2.7% of all the triathletes in the Olympics, a stunning showing from an island of 64,000 people in a world of over 8 billion people.
We will have additional information later on, and please continue to tune in to the television coverage as the men’s triathlon will be starting at 5/45am Bermuda time featuring Bermudian Tyler Smith making his Olympic debut!
Erica and Flora after the race with supporters including the Governor and Bermuda’s chef de mission Katura Horton-Perinchief
Update: Speaking after the race Erica Hawley said: “My main goal was to finish the race and enjoy the experience. It’s so cool to be an Olympian. I woke up this morning, and I was so nervous. I’m not usually this nervous before a race. There were so many Bermuda flags with people shouting. I was trying to enjoy it and smile until the final lap of the run when it really hurt! It’s a great experience.”
Dame Flora Duffy — who was quite emotional as she concludes a storied Olympic career that spanned 16 years and cements her as one of the best of all time — said: To be here and finish fifth at my fifth Olympics. I’m very proud….it makes me very emotional. I’m very proud of the five Olympics…and what it’s done for Bermuda…to have Tyler [Smith] and Erica [Hawley] here from an island of 65,000 people is pretty amazing. I’m emotional as I am proud, not sad.
Update: Tyler Smith crosses the line in 48th position in his Olympic debut… Additional information to follow.
Update: Tyler Smith said, “It’s mixed emotions. I’m super proud to get here, but it’s not the result I would have wanted. I’ve had success at the Commonwealth Games and the Pan American Games, and I’m usually able to have a good day in these major competitions, but that wasn’t possible today.
“I’ll have a closer look at the race with my coach. The swim was crazy. I got caught up in so much traffic and got pushed back.”
