Triathlete Flora Duffy overcame injury concerns to claim third place in the women’s division at the Xterra World Championships in Maui, Hawaii last weekend.

Clocking a time of three hours and 28 seconds, the 26-year-old’s performance surprised even herself given her recent plight with injuries as she crossed the line in 45th place overall.

“I’m shocked I managed to pull off third at Xterra off-road World Champs,” she said. “It was hot, humid and tough race but a lot of fun.”

Winning the women’s category was Nicky Samuels of New Zealand who hit the tape in two hours, 57 minutes, 48 seconds, while California native Lesley Patterson (3:00:14) was five seconds ahead of Duffy.

Spain’s Ruben Rufaza Cueto won the overall title in a time of two minutes, 34 minutes, 34 seconds, while Asa Shaw of France (2:36:01) was second and Australian Ben Allen (2:36:24) third.

Duffy had been due to race in England last month but a stress problem in her left foot put paid to her chances of competing.

However, her encouraging performance in Hawaii suggests the worst of her injury troubles are behind her.

She added: “A big thanks to my coaches Neal Henderson, Grant Holicky for putting up with me this year. Sorry I can sometimes be a princess.”

The Xterra Championships, the world’s premier off-road triathlon, combines a 1.5 kilometre rough water swim, a 30.4km mountain bike ride and a 9.5km trail run.

A capacity field of 800 athletes from 28 countries and 42 US states, including professionals and amateurs participated.