The Runna Podcast Dame Flora Duffy: What It Feels Like to Win Your Country’s First Ever Olympic Gold
Jun 13, 2025
Dame Flora Duffy, Bermuda's most decorated athlete and five-time Olympian, shares her inspiring journey from a 21-square-mile island to winning Olympic gold in Tokyo. She discusses how discovering triathlon at age 7 shaped her life and the obstacles she faced, including serious injuries and the pandemic. Flora reflects on the emotional significance of her victory for Bermuda, her upcoming farewell at Paris 2024, and her transition to long-course racing. Her insights on resilience, mentorship, and the joy of competition are both motivating and heartfelt.
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Early Start in Triathlon
- Flora Duffy started triathlon around age seven in Bermuda when her parents entered her in a local kids triathlon.
- She quickly loved it and joined the local Triheads club, progressing through swim, bike, and run events in her community.
Olympic Setback Spurs Rebuild
- Flora qualified for the 2008 Olympics but didn't finish the race and went back home to work in a local shop.
- This low point made her realize she wanted to recommit to triathlon, leading her to study at the University of Colorado and rebuild her career.
Changing Triathlon Race Dynamics
- A shift in race dynamics pushed triathletes to develop stronger swim and bike legs, not just rely on running.
- Flora's success came from adopting aggressive tactics early in races, changing the sport's competitive landscape.