The Government of Bermuda has today announced that Her Excellency the Governor is to be invited to designate 18 October 2021 as a public holiday in recognition of Flora Duffy’s success in the 2021 Olympics in Tokyo and the World Triathlon Championship.
The date for the public holiday was determined after consideration by the Cabinet and is now subject to the approval of both Houses of the Legislature, after which the Governor will be invited to exercise her power under section 4 of the Public Holidays Act 1947. The 18 October date coincides with the World Triathlon Championship Series in Bermuda on October 16 and 17, 2021 in which Ms. Duffy will be a participant and will mark the culmination of that Race weekend.
Flora Duffy is Bermuda’s first Olympic Gold Medalist and three times world champion. This recent accomplishment has elevated Ms Duffy to a distinct category of her own, as she is the first triathlete to hold both the world and Olympic Championships in the same year.
The Premier, the Hon. David Burt, JP, MP, said: “It is a fitting tribute to have a day to recognise and honour Flora Duffy’s historic accomplishments. Her achievements propelled Bermuda onto the international stage, and we look forward to welcoming her home and celebrating with her and all her fans. At the next Senate meeting, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sports, Dr. the Hon. Ernest Peets will set out further details of events planned for the day which will also allow us to connect the arc of Bermuda’s Olympic history and also include Bermuda’s first Olympic medalist, bronze medal winner Clarence Hill."