Thea LaFond registers history with best jump of 15.02m and brings gold medal for Dominica

Roseau, Dominica: History has been made by Dominica’s Thea Lafond Gadson who claimed gold medal in the Women’s Triple Jump at the Paris Olympics 2024. She has broken the national record with a jump of 15.02 meters and represented the best jump for 2024 to win the first-ever Olympic medal for Dominica.

This remarkable achievement of Thea Lafond is a beacon of pride and inspiration for every Dominican. She celebrated her victory draped in her country’s flag and called it a very special moment for bringing Gold to her island nation, marking a historic milestone for Dominica.

She was followed by Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts who claimed silver medal by jumping her season’s best of 14.87 metres. Meanwhile, Jasmine Moore of USA took bronze, jumping her seasonal best of 14.67 metres.

Following her victory, Thea Lafond extended gratitude to all her fans and supporters for all the love. She stated “My phone is going crazy, I put it on to not disturb because, I can’t even start to look at it but I’m grateful. This is for all my Dominicans.” She especially mentioned Dominica Olympic Committee and Dominica Athletic Association for their immense support emotionally, physically and financially.

She continued to say that this would not have been possible without their support. She also recognized her family who flew out to Paris to support her and be with her in such beautiful period of her life.

Moreover, the Prime Minister of Dominica also gave a phone call to the gold medallist, Thea Lafond and congratulated her for bringing the first-ever Olympic medal for her nation. He also shared that “everyone in Dominica is ecstatic and not only Dominicans but so many well-wishers from every part of the world have been messaging me.”

“On behalf of the government and people of Dominica, I extend our warmest congratulations on winning Dominica’s first Olympic medal, a gold medal in the women’s triple jump, a truly monumental achievement,” noted PM Roosevelt Skerrit.

The Prime Minister continued to say that Thea’s outstanding accomplishment on the global stage has filled the entire nation with immense pride and joy. He stated that Thea’s dedication and perseverance will continue to inspire future generations of athletes in the Nature Island. He also thanked her for always representing the country with so much grace and dignity. “Your triumph in Paris stands among our proudest moments as a nation,” noted PM Roosevelt Skerrit.

PM Skerrit added that he is looking forward to welcoming her back and celebrating her victory in a grand way.

The social media is flooded with several messages of congratulations for Thea Lafond. From government to the netizens, everybody is showering their best wishes to the gold medallist for registering history.

Along with that, one video is also getting viral where Thea Lafond’s brother, Navy’s DT Chreign LaFond, finds out about his sister’s victory during a practice session and gets teary-eyed with joy. Not only him, but his entire team is seeing celebrating her sister’s victory who all mob Chreign LaFond and start dancing in joy.

All the netizens are commending Thea for her unwavering dedication and excellence, which have propelled her to the highest level of success on the international platform.