Dominica’s historic Olympic gold medalist, Thea Lafond Gadson, received a spectacular welcome home featuring a motorcade and a celebration concert.
In a groundbreaking achievement, Thea set a world record leap of 15.02 meters in the women’s triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics, earning the island’s first-ever gold medal.
The Government of Dominica honored Lafond’s remarkable accomplishment with various accolades, including:
- A cash prize of $400,000;
- Appointment as National Sports Ambassador;
- Issuance of a Diplomatic passport (also extended to her husband);
- A 7,459 square foot parcel of land in Warner for a future housing project with stunning sea and mountain views;
- Construction of a Track and Field facility to be named Thea LaFond-Gadson Track and Field Complex.
During this year’s Independence celebrations, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit will present LaFond with the “Dominica Award of Honour,” the nation’s highest award, where she will also be a special guest.
“Your gold medal in the triple jump at the Paris Olympics is not just a milestone for our nation but a source of unity and pride for all Dominicans,” the Prime Minister remarked in his address.
In her speech, Thea expressed gratitude to her parents for instilling the mindset of resilience, stating, “we do not cry, we try.” She celebrated with the crowd, triumphantly declaring “we did it!”
Prime Minister Skerrit also recognized the dedication of the other three athletes representing Dominica at the Olympics this year, announcing that Dennick Luke, Warren Lawrence, and Jasmine Schofield would each receive $20,000 as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts.
