Thea LaFond given hero’s welcome after historic Olympics feat
Dominica’s first Olympic gold medalist, Thea Lafond Gadson, was honoured with a grand motorcade and celebration concert upon her return home.
Thea achieved a world record leap of 15.02 meters in the women’s triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing the island’s first-ever gold medal.
In addition to the celebrations held, Lafond’s historic feat was recognized by the Government through various citations and rewards inlcuding:
- a cash incentive of $400,000
- Appointment as a National Sports Ambassador;
- Issuance of a Diplomatic passport (courtesy of Diplomatic passport to also be extended to her husband);
- A parcel of land in Warner containing 7,459 square feet in the location of the future housing project with spectacular sea and mountain views.
- Track and Field facility to be built and named the Thea LaFond-Gadson Track and Field Complex.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit will bestow LaFond the “Dominica Award of Honour”, the country’s highest national award, during this year’s Independence celebrations where she will also be a special guest of honour.
“Your gold medal in the triple jump at the Paris Olympics is not only a historical accomplishment for our country but also a unifying moment that has inspired deep appreciation and pride among all Dominicans”, noted the Prime Minister in his speech.
In her speech, Thea said her parents raised her with the mentality, “we do not cry, we try”. She also shouted “we did it” as the audience applauded for this significant victory.
Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit also expressed gratitude to the other three athletes who competed for Dominica at the Olympics this year, announcing that Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence, and Jasmine Schofield would each receive $20,000 as a token for their hard work.