Deon who?That might have been the question those in the road running circle had been asking just a couple of years ago.But Deon Breary has burst onto the scene in a hurry, and what a burst it's been.First local female in January's International Race Weekend's Half-Marathon, and second overall, might have raised a few eyebrows.And after winning the recent RMS 10K, many realised she could be a serious Derby contender.But shortly after 10.30 on Tuesday morning, it wasn't just those in the road running clubs who realised her exceptional talent, but the whole of Bermuda.Suddenly she became the talk of the town.At the ‘ripe old age' of 41, she became one of only three women over the age of 40 Sandra Mewett and Victoria Fiddick were the others to win Bermuda's oldest race, the May 24 Derby.And if anyone else deserved the accolades that came her way on Bermuda Day, it would be hard to find them.Her success story is one of sheer perseverance.In her 30s, at her own admission, she was overweight and unhappy with her figure.So she decided to to turn some of that fat into muscle, joined a health club and began figure fitness, a form of body building.From there she decided to increase that fitness by jogging and then running. Over a period of time, she lost a whopping 90 pounds.Anyone in their 30s will tell you that's nigh impossible. Once the body expands it's extremely difficult to shrink.Diet and exercise might help in the short term but only extreme willpower, mental strength and dedication will ensure results (some cricketers and footballers might want to take note).And even then, the transformation from couch potato to top athlete is virtually unheard of.Yet that's Deon's amazing tale.No wonder at the Bernard Park finishing line she screamed with delight with a smile as wide as Harrington Sound.She had realised a dream that she never thought possible, and certainly no one else had.It's been said many times before, if you don't win the Derby you'll never be considered the best.Now Deon is the best. At least for a year.And in the upcoming Island Games on the Isle of Wight she'll be out to claim another title.Deon's been an inspiration to anyone over the age of 40 who thought they could never regain their youth.Some may say her victory was owed in part to the collapse of Jenny Alen, who had forged ahead with little over a mile remaining.But this wasn't a 12-mile race, it was exactly 13.1. And much can change so quickly. The legs turn to jelly, the head begin to spin and the heat and humidity begins to take their toll.I know, I've been there. And hundreds more will tell you that final mile is the toughest of all. Rather than watching the finish line coming into sight, it seems that with every step, it slips further into the distance.In the past, top female runners such as Jane Christie, Maria Conroy Haydon both of whom were Derby champions and Chris Somerville have collapsed at the same point in the race.On Tuesday, dogged determination got Deon there first. A gruelling training regime in the months before made victory so much sweeter.If anyone deserves May 24 glory, then it's Deon Breary.Take note of the name, you can bet there's more to come.* * * *AS Breary made the big story of the day, Chris Estwanik again showed that when it comes to both speed and distance, it could be a long time before any other runner makes a serious challenge to his superiority.That was his fourth consecutive Derby victory and he did it in a canter.The fast improving Sean Trott tried to stay close in the early miles but found the pace too hot and Lamont Marshall lost sight of the champion within a mile.It had been predicted that Marshall would make it a two-horse race after a string of exceptional track performances this year. It wasn't to be.There was only one thoroughbred in the field. And few would gamble against the same horse in a year's time.ADRIAN ROBSON