Flora Duffy was already Bermuda’s golden girl before she set off on the Olympic women’s triathlon tonight, but she is now simply solid gold after destroying a world-class field in Tokyo.

The 33-year-old dominated the race almost immediately after finishing the 40-kilometre cycle within an ultimate lead group of four.

American Katie Zaferes was the first out on to the run course from the bike transition but Duffy passed her and then did it on her own, winning in 1hr 55min 36sec in a stunning show of front-running.

Second more than a minute behind was Georgia Taylor-Brown, of Great Britain, followed by Zaferes.

It is Bermuda’s first medal since heavyweight boxer Clarence Hill won bronze at the Montreal Games in 1976.

After the race she said: “I’ve had an extra year with this pressure on me. Although it was difficult to manage and navigate all that pressure what a special moment to come down the finishing shoot and just to enjoy it and have my moments. It’s incredible.

“It was worth it; there’s been many tears, many heartbreaks. many times I was like ‘am I ever going to be healthy again, can I ever race at the top’? I just kept believing and I have a really great support system around me.”

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