Bermuda’s Olympic hero Flora Duffy got a surprise gift from the Government at Christmas.

Ms Duffy was given the old Corkscrew Hill sign after the steep and winding road was renamed Flora Duffy Hill to honour her triathlon achievements at home as well as abroad.

The Tokyo Olympics gold medal winner said from her home in Colorado: “A big thank you Bermuda Government for my hill.

“It was a nice surprise to receive the Corkscrew sign – a token to always remember the special occasion.”

She told the public: “Thanks for your support this year.”

Ms Duffy had a special thank you for youngsters who wrote letters of congratulation, which were collected at the Hamilton Princess Hotel and Beach Club.

She said: “A special shout out to the kids who dropped letters in the box at the Hamilton Princess – most came from Warwick Academy, Saltus and Victor Scott – I read every single one, so thanks again.”

The Government announced in October that Corkscrew Hill – part of the gruelling cycle route for Bermudian triathlons – would be named after Ms Duffy in the wake of her gold medal Tokyo triumph.

Ms Duffy and officials were photographed with a Flora Duffy Hill sign on October 18 – Flora Duffy Day – but the change could not be made until the Cabinet heard any objections to the proposal.

There is a one-month window after a notice is published when members of the public can object to a name change under the Public Lands Act 1984.

One objection was lodged, but was rejected by the Cabinet earlier this month, which paved the way for the new signs to go up.