Flora Duffy

Hometown: Bermuda/Boulder/CO

Flora was born and raised on the small island of Bermuda. She grew up running and swimming, and did her first triathlon at the age of 8. Flora won her age group, fell in love with sport, joined a local triathlon club, and the rest was history. Ten years later she was on the podium at the ITU Junior World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland. While balancing full time studies at the University of Colorado, Flora qualified for the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games. 2016 was Flora's most successful season to date by winning three world titles in one year- ITU World Champion, Xterra World Champion and ITU Cross Triathlon World Champion, and finishing 8th at the Rio Olympics. 

NOTABLE RESULTS

2016 ITU World Triathlon Series Champion

3x Xterra World Champion

2x ITU Cross Triathlon World Champion

3x Olympian (Beijing, London, Rio)

Athlete talk

What is your Triathlon background, when and why did you start?
I did my first triathlon when I was 8 years old in Bermuda. I won the race and was immediately hooked. I was in a local swim club, loved to run so racing a triathlon seemed like an easy match. Ten years later I was on the podium at the ITU Junior World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, needless to say I loved triathlon.          

What was your reason for picking Triathlon?
There are quite a lot of local kids triathlons in Bermuda so it was something I could do to keep my activate, energy filled body busy. Plus, I had a great groups of friends who also raced.

What’s your favorite part about riding for Scott?
The bikes! I guess that is the obvious answer though. I race both ITU and Xterra so need a top end road bike and mountain bike. I’m lucky that SCOTT make both, and are continuing to make the best bikes out there. I’m currently riding the new 27.5 mountain bike and really enjoying that. It has propelled me to many race wins, and couldn’t imagine riding any other wheel size. 

What are your future goals?
RIO 2016 is the big goal but between now and then winning the Xterra World Championships in Maui is high on my priority list.

What keeps you going during the off season, if you ever have an off season?
The older I get, the more I enjoy the offseason! I recently finished studying so I now have the flexibly to travel and explore the world a little during November, which is usually put aside as my ‘play’ month. I also try and visit/ spend time as many non triathlon friends as possible. They tend to get neglected during the season. This November you’ll find me in New York City, Bermuda and Stellenbosch, South Africa. Having a month totally away from triathlon allows me to press the reset button to be the best mental and emotional space for the following season. 

What are your favorite Triathlons - where are we going to find you training most often?
I’m very lucky to split my time between Boulder, CO and Stellenbosch, South Africa. I also spend a few weeks a year in Bermuda- my home. My favorite races tend to be the ones with the biggest crowds. I love racing in front of a cheering crowd, it creates an electric, exciting environment. So those tend to be the bigger races of the year such as world championships, and any major games. 

What inspires you to keep going each season?
I’ve had the dream of being a world champion since I was 8 years old. I haven’t reached that goal yet.  

What music do you listen to when training or before a race?
I listen to a variety of music. Anything from Jay Z to Taylor Swift depending on my mood and environment. 

Do you have a favorite pre-race food?
I do. For the last year or so I have religiously eaten a rice, egg, and sweet potato mix topped with avocado before each race. It is kind of my go to pre race meal recommended by my coach.

Do you have any funny habits that you have to do before you race?
Nothing too funny. I do always wear my hair in braids, but that is about it. 

When your season is over what is the food you have to have?
Chocolate. It is my kryptonite. I have a major sweet tooth, which as a triathlete is not a good thing. In season I try and eat a super clean diet. Living in Boulder, I’m into the gluten free, sugar free, organic genre of food. I love to bake in that way too. It is  a fun hobby to bake treats that are somewhat healthy. I have a new love for wine (thanks to living in Stellenbosch) so a few bottles get cracked open in the off season.