Olympian Flora Duffy will be among the favourites in the women’s field during tomorrow’s Bank of Bermuda Foundation Triathlon in St George’s.

The 26-year old athlete is making her first appearance in the event for many years — she won it as a teenager — and is looking forward to showcasing her skills in front of family and friends.

“I’m really excited to race at home,” Duffy told The Royal Gazette yesterday.

“I rarely get the chance because of my busy racing season so it will be nice to end the season in Bermuda.

“I think the last time I raced in the Bank of Bermuda Foundation Triathlon was ten years ago . . . it has been a long time.

“I was 16 at the time and won the overall women’s division. It was held in Hamilton the last time I did it.”

The two-time Olympian has been plagued by a foot injury this season.

But a podium finish (third) at last weekend’s Xterra World Championships in Maui, Hawaii suggested that she had recovered.

“Maui was an encouraging sign that my injuries are behind me, but I’m still being very cautious,” she said. “I plan on running a lot this winter, so I want to make sure I am healed up one hundred percent when I begin my 2014 preparations.”

Duffy’s impressive display in Hawaii surpassed her own expectations.

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

Karen Smith conquered the women’s field and placed sixth overall at last year’s event, covering the half-mile swim, 20k bike and 5k run in a combined time of one hour, seven minutes and 55 seconds.

The veteran athlete has also registered for this year’s event.

Also in the field is last year’s overall winner Jonathan Herring.

Herring captured a maiden title, crossing the line in one hour, one minute and 51 seconds.

The battle among the men promises to be an intriguing one with twins Evan and Riaan Naude and past Winter Olympian Tucker Murphy also in the mix.

Naude and Murphy finished second and third behind Herring last year.

The adult course has undergone a subtle change ahead of this year’s event, with the cycling leg now consisting of one loop instead of two.