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Anyone who's seen Flora Duffy race knew she was destined for stardom - we just didn't think it would be this quick. She was an easy choice as our Young Athlete of the Year.

Flora's accomplishments in 2006:

Eighth place in the Commonwealth games.

Second in the World Junior Championships.

Ninth place in the Hamburg World Cup race.

19th in the Beijing World Cup race.

Sixth place in the Cancun World Cup race.

Duffy said: "It's been amazing. If you would have told me that I would have the year that I had, I never would have believed you."

She rates her Commonwealth Games showing as the highlight of the year as she got to race side-by-side some of her heriones.

Because of her performances, Duffy was selected by the International Triathlon Union to get extra financial backing so she could help raise her standing in the triathlon community. Part of that programme included flying her to Beijing to race on the 2008 Olympic course.

Duffy has five World Cup races planned for 2007 as she gains momentum for her 2008 Olympics campaign.[[In-content Ad]]

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