Meet Thea LaFond: Dominica’s First Ever Olympic Medalist

Thea Noeliva LaFond has made history as Dominica’s first Olympic medalist.

Competing in the triple jump at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, LaFond clinched gold, setting a new national record with a jump of 15.02 meters.

Her triumph is a landmark achievement for the Caribbean nation, showcasing her exceptional talent and dedication.

Biography

LaFond’s journey began in Dominica before she moved to the United States as a young child. She started her athletic career in dance, specifically ballet, where she developed a strong foundation in discipline and technique.

These skills would later prove invaluable in her track and field career. LaFond graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, and returned to her alma mater to work as a special education teacher.

At the University of Maryland, LaFond excelled in multi-event competitions, including the heptathlon and indoor pentathlon. Her dedication to improving her athletic performance was evident throughout her collegiate career.

LaFond first represented Dominica on the global stage at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she competed in the women’s triple jump but did not advance past the qualifying round. However, her persistence paid off as she continued to make strides in her sport.

Achievements

LaFond’s breakthrough came at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, where she became the first Dominican athlete to win a medal at the event, securing a bronze in the women’s triple jump.

She continued to build on her success, winning a silver medal in the same event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

In March 2024, LaFond achieved a significant milestone by winning gold in the women’s triple jump at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, setting a national record of 15.01 meters.

This accomplishment set the stage for her historic Olympic victory later in the year.

At the Paris Olympics, LaFond’s gold medal performance in the triple jump, coupled with her new national record, solidified her place in the annals of Dominica’s sports history.

Personal Life

LaFond is married to Aaron Gadson, who also serves as her coach. The couple resides in Maryland, where they continue to train and support each other in their athletic endeavors.