Olympics and Flora Duffy are just what we all needed

When Japan refused to give in and postpone the Olympic summer Games, to non-participants it seemed crazy. There were all those reports of athletes arriving from around the world and going down with Covid or being tested positive anyway and being forced to self-isolate. It looked like it was going to be a disaster and the empty streets and stadiums seemed to back up the pessimists. But so far it has been a triumph, bringing smiles back to our faces and wonder at the sheer brilliance of the athletes taking part. That Olympic spirit is alive and bouncing with health in Tokyo. One of the most glorious events was yesterday's women's triathlon. Sure, I cheered for the British girls and hoped that one of them might win gold. They looked like they had the talent. But Flora Duffy, such a great name for an athlete, from Bermuda stole the show. All the way while she ran in the third component of the triathlon she looked serious and determined and unflinching. Her facial expression never changed. But then as she approached the last 100 metres her face burst into a huge smile and she raised her arms up in triumph. She knew she was so far ahead of her nearest rival, Brit Georgia Taylor-Brown, that after nearly two hours of exhausting effort swimming, cycling and running she could enjoy her moment as she hit the finishing tape. A fabulous Olympic moment, awesome for her, awesome for all of us watching and awesome for the whole of Bermuda, winning its first Olympic gold medal in its history. Fabulous Flora.