Dame Flora Duffy: Close Chapter With Gratitude
[Updated] After a racing career that made history and cemented her as one of the best athletes of all time, Dame Flora Duffy has said she “closes this chapter” of her life with a heart full of gratitude and said it has been her “greatest joy to represent our small island around the world.”
In a post on social media said, “As I close this chapter of my life, I do so with a heart full of gratitude. Growing up in Bermuda with its pink sand beaches and turquoise waters, I fell in love with the sport of triathlon 30 years ago.
“From my first Olympic appearance in Beijing in 2008, through London and Rio, to winning gold in Tokyo, and my final Olympic appearance in Paris. Every stroke, pedal, and stride has been the privilege of a lifetime. Winning four World Triathlon titles, six XTERRA World Championships, and two Commonwealth Games gold medals are achievements I could never have imagined as a young island girl. Dreams came true and more.
“None of it would have been possible without the coaches who believed in me when I doubted myself, the friends who kept me grounded through the highs and the lows [the many injuries!] and the training partners who always kept it fun. To family – thank you for always supporting me even if my dreams did seem a little crazy at times.
“To my husband Dan – thank you for walking every step of this journey beside me and introducing me to Stellenbosch. You were always the one to believe in me the most.
“A note to my sponsors, who invested in the dream and partnered to make them happen. I am so grateful. I sure wish we had another finish line or two to celebrate together.
“And finally, to everyone in Bermuda, it has been my greatest joy to represent our small island around the world. To see the Bermuda flag raised while standing on top of the podium are memories I will treasure forever. Thank you.”
Update 4.50pm: Minister Owen Darrell said, “Today, Bermuda celebrates the extraordinary career of Dame Flora Duffy, one of the greatest athletes our island has ever produced.
“From competing in the Iron Kids Triathlon at just eight years old, Flora’s passion for sport was born here in Bermuda. Few could have imagined that the young girl racing around our island would one day become an Olympic Champion, a four-time World Triathlon World Champion, a six-time XTERRA World Champion, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, and one of the most accomplished triathletes in the history of the sport.
“While her list of achievements is extraordinary, what has always stood out is the pride with which she represented Bermuda. Every time she wore our colours, she showed the world that excellence knows no boundaries and that a small island can produce the very best.
“Flora’s legacy extends beyond the medals she has won. Through the Flora Fund, she has chosen to invest in Bermuda’s future by supporting aspiring young athletes, demonstrating that true champions also inspire and uplift those who follow.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda, I thank Dame Flora Duffy for inspiring generations of Bermudians to dream boldly, work tirelessly, and believe that anything is possible.
“Congratulations on an exceptional career, Flora. We wish you every success and happiness in this next chapter, and we look forward to seeing the continued impact you will have on Bermuda and the world beyond competition.”
Thank you, Dame Flora Duffy, for representing Bermuda so wonderfully all over the world! Hopefully you will help others to follow in your footsteps.
Thank you for your gifts and all the best going forward Dame. You are a National treasure
Congratulations on your many milestones. Best wishes in yourfuture choices.
Barbara Cooper