Thea La Fond dedicates World Indoor gold to Dominica

In a historic moment for Dominica, Thea La Fond, the newly crowned world indoor triple jump champion, dedicated her remarkable victory to the people of her homeland, expressing profound gratitude and pride in representing her nation on the global stage.

With only two attempts, the 29-year-old soared to a national record of 15.01 meters in the triple jump event, securing the gold medal and etching her name in history as the first-ever global athletics champion from Dominica. Her exceptional performance, the best jump in the world this year, captivated audiences and brought newfound attention to her Caribbean island nation.

Reflecting on her journey, La Fond recalled a challenging moment at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro eight years ago, where she fell short of her expectations. However, she emphasized her commitment to her country and her determination to deliver her best performance. Her victory in Scotland symbolized redemption and fulfilment of her promise to herself and her fellow Dominicans.

“This is the exclamation in my apology letter,” La Fond remarked, acknowledging the significance of her triumph. She expressed joy in witnessing people around the stadium discussing Dominica and searching for information about the country, affirming her belief in the power of positive representation to elevate her nation’s profile on the global stage.

Diamond League victory in Paris

Prior to her world indoor gold, La Fond’s notable achievements included a Diamond League victory in Paris, a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast. However, her recent triumph surpassed all previous accolades, marking a milestone in her athletic career and inspiring her fellow Dominicans to pursue their dreams relentlessly.

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In a heartfelt message to her compatriots, La Fond described her victory as a “love letter” to her people, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout her journey. She emphasized the importance of feeling inspired and empowered, believing that her achievement could motivate others to reach for their goals, no matter how daunting they may seem.

As she continues to bask in the glory of her success, La Fond extended her gratitude to the Dominica Olympic Association and Dominica Athletics Association for their steadfast support. With her victory, she hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes and elevate the spirit of national pride among her fellow Dominicans, embodying the resilience and determination that define her nation’s spirit.