Roseau, Dominica: Thea Lafond created history by winning the first-ever Olympic medal, a Gold in the Women’s Triple Jump at the 2024 Paris Summer Games on Saturday. She set a new national record of 15.02m and surpassed her previous record to become Olympic champion.
Lafond expressed her emotions after winning, stating that it was surreal moment and that she was proud to put her country on the map. She also received the phone call from Prime Minister Dr Roosevelt Skerrit and get congratulatory message, stating, ”Congratulation, we are very proud of you and celebrate your success.”
Thea Lafond expressed gratitude to PM Skerrit for his appreciation and said that she appreciated the support and belief of the country.
The second position was secured by Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts who recorded 14.87m jump and clinched the silver medal. While the bronze medal was won by Jasmine Moorre of the United States with 14.67m jump.
The government of Dominica extended congratulations to Thea Lafond Gadson for her outstanding achievement in winning the gold medal in the Triple Jump. The government added that the historic win a source of great pride and inspiration for the nation.
Thea Lafond was lauded for her hard work, talent, determination and dedication over the years which made her create the historic. The government appreciated her resilient spirit and noted that they look forward to welcoming her home in a triumphant display of national pride and celebration.
Prime Minister Skerrit extended gratitude to the athlete for always representing the country with such grace and dignity. He said,” On behalf of the Government and people of Dominica, I extend our warmest congratulations on winning Dominica’s first Olympic medal, a Gold in the Women’s Triple Jump, a truly monumental achievement.”
He added that the entire Dominica will celebrate her accomplishment on the global stage that filled the nation with immense pride and joy. “Your triumph in Paris stands among our proudest moments as a nation.”
Thea Lafond has also won the first-ever medal, a gold in World Indoor Championship in Glasgow last year for Dominica and created history. A 30-year-old athlete has secured several records and made several historic moments for the country. She expressed pleasure in representing the country and breaking the medal drought for Dominica.
Wishes have been poured on Thea Lafond for outstanding performance as the entire nation has been celebrating the win with drumbeats, dancing and music. The streets of Dominica filled with lively atmosphere as the country started appreciating the daughter of their soil.
