The day after the 4th place of Marten Van Riel in the Olympic triathlon, the Belgian women were allowed to Valerie Barthelemy in Claire Michel diving off the start pontoon. Due to the stormy weather, the starting gun sounded a little later in Tokyo.
After a whirlwind start, a small but strong leading group formed immediately. Valerie Barthelemy slipped into the wake of the first chasing group. She could never tickle the front runners’ pants. but cleverly defended her top 10 place in the running and also crossed the finish line in 10th place.
The medals were handed out in the same leading group. While walking, Flora Duffy blew everything and everyone away for good. Duffy crossed the finish line alone. A historic moment for Bermuda as she takes the first-ever Olympic gold medal to her country.
The unlucky British Taylor-Brown, who had mechanical problems while cycling, still managed to take the silver. The American Katie Zaferes was allowed to hoist the bronze plaque around her neck.
Claire Michel did not write an Olympic success story today. She got cramps while walking, but bravely bit through to come in as the 34th and last athlete (FYI: 20 other athletes gave up). Hopefully she will have more luck on Saturday with the Belgian Hammers in the mixed relay.
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