In a historic triumph, Thea LaFond, a former University of Maryland Track and Field star, captured the gold medal in the triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics, representing her native country of Dominica, a country with no track. Not only did she win her first Olympic gold medal, she became Dominica’s first-ever Olympic medalist.
How her journey started
Born in Roseau, Dominica LaFond’s journey to Olympic glory shows her determination and persistence. She moved to New Jersey with her family at five years old, then later to Silver Spring, Maryland, where she attended John F. Kennedy High School.
At Kennedy, Lafond’s athletic prowess became evident as she won four events in the 2011 3A outdoor championship. She secured the 3A indoor title in the high jump, was named an All-Met selection by the Washington Post, and clinched four events at the Montgomery County Championships by her senior year.
Her talent took her to the international stage, competing in the 2011 World Youth Championships in France and the 2012 World Junior Championships in Spain.
Becoming a Maryland Star
Thea LaFond continued her athletic career at UMD as a multi-event athlete. She broke several school records, earning All-American honors. She excelled in the 2013 NCAA Championships, breaking a school record in the triple jumps with a distance of 43-05.75 to place 10th, and won the high jump at NCAA East Regional.
In 2014, LaFond tied for first in the NCAA East Prelims and finished 2nd place at the ACC Outdoor Championships in high jumps. She qualified for the ECAC Championship in the long jump. She also finished fourth at the ACC Outdoor Championships and qualified for the NCAA Outdoor National Championships.
LaFond capped off her career at Maryland, winning Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year in 2015.
Thea LaFond prepared for Paris
LaFond participated in multiple competitions throughout her professional triple jump career. She competed in the 2016 and 2021 Olympics, representing Dominica.
In preparation for the 2024 Olympics, LaFond trained at a cricket sports complex, renting space to hone her skills. She worked tirelessly with her coach and husband, Aaron Gadson, even quitting her job as a special education teacher to focus entirely on her athletic career. Her commitment paid led to her finishing fifth in the 2022 and 2023 World Championships.
Before LaFond went to Paris, she competed in the 2024 Glasgow Indoor World Championships, wining gold with a triple jump of 15.01 meters. With this title, LaFond gained confidence for the Paris Olympics.
Thea LaFond celebrates taking home the gold
On a memorable Saturday in Paris, Lafond representing her native Dominica. She scored 15.02 meters on her second jump. She captured the lead with that jump to secure the gold medal.
In a touching moment, her brother Chreign LaFond, a defensive end for the Navy football Team, received news of his sister winning gold while at practice.
“Your sister just won a gold medal, bro,” Navy head coach Brian Newberry told LaFond in front of his teammates.
His teammates erupted in celebration, sharing his sister’s historic achievement.
Thea LaFond reflected on her victory, sacrifice, and what it meant for Dominica in a statement.
“Oh, my God, my country is never going to stop partying, are they? LaFond said. “Just cancel work on Monday, guys. They deserve this as much as I do, and I hope they are partying enough for the both of us.
“U don’t know what I’ve done to deserve this,” she continued. “I don’t know how everything worked out. I’m not going to say I don’t know. We worked for this.”
LaFond’s gold medal cements her legacy and brings immense pride and joy to Dominica, showcasing the incredible potential and spirit of athletes from small nations.
