Search
shop

‘She brings me to another level’ – Duffy relishes battles with GTB

There was huge mutual respect after Flora Duffy and Georgia Taylor-Brown again finished first and second in the WTCS Finals.
News Director
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Flora Duffy and Georgia Taylor-Brown paid tribute to each other after their epic battle over the course of the WTCS season came down to a duel in Abu Dhabi which was won by Olympic and Commonwealth Champion Duffy.

It was a record fourth world title for the Bermudian and she said afterwards: “I’m really, really proud of this one. It was a difficult start to the year for me coming off of the Olympics, COVID and everything else – it took a lot of work to get my mind back into it.”

Duel in the sun

Both women have pushed each other to new heights over the last 12 months or so and Duffy said: “I’m thrilled – I smiled a few times out there when it was just Georgia and I, thinking of course it’s us two battling it out!

“It’s awesome, I feel like she brings me to another level. It was an absolute battle out there, Georgia and I don’t really give each other an inch.

Flora Duffy Georgia Taylor Brown Abu Dhabi 2022 photo credit Wagner Araujo World Triathlon
[Photo credit: Wagner Araujo / World Triathlon]

“I felt pretty good and just tried to take good care of myself as obviously it’s very hot so I had to really work on my hydration and nutrition.

“And then when I got a little bit of a gap on that third lap of the run it was a little sooner than I anticipated but I knew I just had to keep focussed and keep pushing.”

Duffy is now 35 but age is clearly just a number and she added: “I’m still really enjoying it and with the short three-year cycle to Paris in 2024 I thought why not stick in there and celebrate a final Olympics with my friends and family there.

“I’m pretty much consistently the oldest in these races but I’m still enjoying it so why not keep going?”

‘It’s me and you now kid’

For Taylor-Brown it was another superb display but as with the Olympics and Commonwealth Games she had to settle for the silver medal.

She said: “I gave it absolutely everything I had today. I’m really proud of myself for doing everything I could.

“We kind of laughed at one point as I said ‘it’s me and you now kid’ – we were just battling it out to the end and I wouldn’t have it any other way and I don’t think she would.

“I enjoy racing Flora and we have a good camaraderie, I’m still learning all the time.

“Out of transition, I didn’t want to be at the front but I was so I waited for Flora to catch me. I gave it absolutely everything but my legs gave in with two laps to go. I had nothing more in me and just wanted to sit down to be honest. I’m obviously disappointed to not get the title but I gave it everything today and I’ll make sure I come back another year.”

And there was a career-best performance from Lena Meißner in third, with the German admitting: “I can’t believe it, it’s just a dream come true. I think it will take a few days to sink in.

“I had a really good heat prep and I felt confident today. I just tried to stay calm and it worked perfectly for me.

Jonathan Turner
Written by
Jonathan Turner
Jonathan Turner is News Director for both TRI247 and RUN247, and is accustomed to big-name interviews, breaking news stories and providing unrivalled coverage for endurance sports.  
Discover more
Laura Siddall Challenge Roth 2025 finish line
PremiumLaura Siddall: 10 things I’ve learned from my professional triathlon career
Ruth Astle finishing IRONMAN Vitoria 2024
PremiumHow to cope with a DNF: Elite athletes share their stories
PremiumIs your evening workout routine wrecking your recovery? Expert physiologist on how to improve recovery and what NOT to do
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
03/07/2025 - Tour de France 2025 - Grand départ Jour 2 - Lille - Présentation des équipes -Jonas Vingegaard (Team Visma-Lease a Bike)
PremiumWhat triathletes can learn from the Tour de France pro peloton
latest News
Sam Laidlow bike IRONMAN Leeds 2025
IRONMAN Leeds 2025: Laidlow validates Nice spot in perfect style with another win
Paula Findlay wins IRONMAN Boise 2025
IRONMAN 70.3 Boise results 2025: Findlay and Appleton the Idaho stars
Alex Yee wins Super tri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 men’s results: Stunning triathlon return from Olympic champ Alex Yee
Jolien Vermeylen wins Supertri Toronto 2025
Supertri Toronto 2025 women’s results: Jolien Vermeylen stuns big guns for famous DEBUT win
Alex Yee supertri Neom 2024 win Photo credit: Darren Wheeler | supertri
WATCH AGAIN: Supertri Toronto 2025 as Brownlee Racing make a PERFECT start
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

100+ new articles/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...