I Blasted Onto The Scene

Triple world champion FLORA DUFFY tells Steve Trew about her childhood, what she thinks of team tactics and who’s her biggest support.

- Steve Trew

She’s the big talent from a small island and this year Flora Duffy has proved she fully deserves her place at the centre of the world stage of triathlon. She was crowned both ITU World Triathlon Series champion and ITU Cross Triathlon world champion this year alone and has plenty of other accolades under her belt. Not bad for someone who is yet to turn 30. Here she speaks exclusively to Triathlon Plus about her childhood, her boyfriend and how it feels to be one of the best triathletes in the world.

Early Days 

“I was born and raised in Bermuda. The climate is perfect for triathlon, so although to many it seems strange that triathlon is so popular in Bermuda, it actually makes a lot of sense once you visit the island. Throughout the summer, there are many triathlons, along with running races, bike races and, of course, plenty of swim meets. As I child I did a race nearly every weekend.

I did my first triathlon at the age of seven in Bermuda and was immediately hooked! I joined the local triathlon club, Tri Hedz, and every Saturday morning I woke up early and went to triathlon club. The head coach of the club, Neil de Ste Croix, was my first triathlon coach and he still coaches at Tri Hedz to this day. I was at home last week, and led a Tri Hedz training session. It was really cool to see the passion the kids have for the sport. I might be the only Bermudian racing on the ITU World Triathlon Series circuit but there are plenty of young triathletes in Bermuda.