Thea Lafond receives the inaugural Caribbean Breakthrough Award

In celebration of Independence season, Dominica’s own Thea Lafond-Gadson was honoured with the Caribbean Breakthrough Award 2024 at the inaugural Caribbean Association of National Olympic Committees (CANOC) Sports Awards, which took place on October 19, 2024, in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands.

This inaugural ceremony was designed to honour exceptional athletes, sports leaders, and teams that have reached remarkable milestones on the international stage.

The Caribbean Breakthrough Award recognises athletes who have achieved their first medals in continental or international multi-sport competitions. By securing the Olympic Gold in the Triple Jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Lafond-Gadson achieved a historic milestone and became the inaugural athlete to earn an Olympic medal for the Nature Isle.

The award presented to the Olympian underscores her exceptional talents and her impact on sports in the Caribbean. Her acknowledgement of this prestigious award demonstrates her unwavering commitment and effort.

Lafond-Gadson was honoured alongside Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s inaugural Olympic Gold medallist, as both received Breakthrough Awards in recognition of their achievements. Their recognition highlights the advancement of the Caribbean region in international sports.

This year marks a significant achievement for Dominica and Saint Lucia, as their athletes have secured the nation’s first Olympic Gold medals, enhancing their visibility on the global stage. Thea Lafond-Gadson and Julien Alfred have distinguished themselves as top athletes worldwide, embodying hope and inspiration for individuals aiming to represent their nations internationally.

The Dominica Olympic Committee congratulates Lafond-Gadson for her remarkable achievement, emphasising that she is worthy of this recognition. Her accomplishments are highlighted as a source of inspiration for future generations, motivating them to pursue success.