Thea Lafond made history over the weekend, becoming the first athlete from Dominica to clinch a gold medal at an international track and field event. At the World Indoor Athletics Championships in Glasgow, Scotland, Lafond soared to victory in the women’s triple jump with a remarkable second attempt that landed her past the 15-meter mark, a feat unmatched by any other competitor. Her jump of 15.01 meters secured the gold and marked the year’s most extended in the category.
In her remarks following the triumph, Lafond expressed immense pride in her Dominican heritage, describing her homeland as a “small, yet mighty Caribbean gem.” She shared her hope that her victory would serve as a beacon of inspiration and joy for her fellow Dominicans, acknowledging the overwhelming support and love she has received from her community.
“I’m incredibly thankful for the chance to represent Dominica and the sheer happiness I’m experiencing right now,” Lafond shared, feeling immensely fortunate. She drew motivation from St. Lucian runner Julien Alfred, who also made history at the championships by securing a world medal for her country. Alfred’s victory in the 60-meter dash fueled Lafond’s desire to achieve a similar feat for Dominica, aiming to showcase the prowess of the Lesser Antilles on the world stage.
Lafond’s journey to this point has been marked by significant milestones, including setting records for the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and overcoming a severe injury to meet the Olympic standard. Her consistent record-breaking performances have highlighted her as a dominant force in triple jumping and secured her a spot in the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics, further solidifying her legacy as one of Dominica’s most illustrious athletes.
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