We have just heard the terrific news that Gordon Benson, the son of former Bermuda police officer Gerry Benson, has been selected to represent Britain in the Rio Olympic Games as a member of the British triathlon team.

Anyone who worked with Gerry during his time in Bermuda (1975-1981) will remember that he was an outstanding athlete who competed in the Hawaii Ironman  Triathlon along with Bermudian legendary triathlete, Jim Butterfield.  Gerry was also an excellent boxer who competed in our Boxing tournaments and travelled with our boxing team.

“Apples don’t fall far from trees”  as we reported last June when Gordon won the first gold medal for the British team in the European Games triathlon when his first place finish guaranteed a British berth in the Rio Olympics.  See article in Latest News at http://expobermuda.com/index.php/latest-news/363-benson-like-father-like-son-2

According to  Team GB News (see https://www.teamgb.com/news/team-gb-selects-six-triathletes-for-rio2016 )       Gordon has been selected as one of six British triathletes for the Rio Olympics.

News of Gordon's selection appears in numerous publications including the Daily Mail - see http://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/pa/article-3629185/Alistair-Brownlee-targets-successful-defence-Olympic-triathlon-title-Rio.html

Gordon came to Bermuda several years ago and trained with our local triathletes.  We have no doubt that he will receive strong support in Rio from everyone in Island who knew Gerry and who have been following the progress of his super-talented son. Congratulations Gordon. We wish you every success in Rio.