Dominica’s star athlete, Thea Lafond clinches Gold medal, bring laurels to nation

Roseau, Dominica: Thea Lafond, an athlete of Dominica has etched her name in history by winning the first gold medal at the World Athletics Indoor Championship 2024. 

She brought laurels to the nation by clinching the first-ever gold medal in the women’s triple jump with 15.01m at the Championship. The championship was conducted in Glasgow, Scotland from the 1st to the 3rd of March, 2024. 

Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit also took to his Facebook account and extended congratulations to Thea for her remarkable victory at such an international platform. 

“Thea Lafond has won Dominica’s first World Athletics gold medal in the Women’s Triple Jump at the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow. Congratulations Champ! Dominica celebrates you,” mentioned PM Skerrit. 

Moreover, Minister of Housing, Land and Urban Development, Melissa Poponne Skerrit also extended congratulations to the athlete for creating the history and sent her the best wishes for her upcoming matches. 

It has been 10 years since Thea Lafond made her international debut and ever since then, she has always been passionate and dedicated towards her field of athletics.

Thea has claimed the first-ever World title for Dominica by defeating several participants. The second position was secured by Leyanis Hernandez with a jump of 14.90m and received a silver medal. Meanwhile, the bronze medal was won by Ana Peleteiro-Compaore of Spain with a jump of 14.75m. 

Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister of Saint Lucia also extended best wishes to Thea for clinching the gold medal in the championship held in Scotland. It is not only Thea but Julien Alfred of Saint Lucia who has also achieved a significant milestone for her nation as she also won the gold medal in the Women’s 60m. 

Therefore, Minister Hilaire took to his Facebook account and acknowledged the achievement of both the Caribbean stars. 

“Julien and Thea. Young, athletic, ambitious and both hail from the Caribbean. Both are the first from their countries to achieve feats globally. A sentimental moment for Caribbean women, rising together,” mentioned Ernest Hilaire. 

The residents of the community flooded social media with congratulations wishes and messages for Thea. One person with a Facebook account Ronald Robin commented “Congratulations. What an amazing achievement! The country should do something to recognise her achievement. Very proud.”

Another person with a Facebook handle Anthony Meade commented the following “Congratulations to you and your accomplishments keep it up Miss Thea Lafond only in the commonwealth of Dominica.”

This victory of Thea signifies the determination, focus and hard work of the young lady who put in all her efforts to turn her aspirations into reality and to bring glory to the name of Dominica.