Thea Lafond set history Tuesday night (Monday morning Caribbean time) becoming the first Dominican to secure a medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Lafond secured a bronze in the women’s triple jump event with a leap of 13.92 meters.
Lafond started the event off with a bang, jumping 13.82 meters.
She then jumped 13.52 in her second leap, before jumping 13.92 in her third jump.
She leapt 13.62 on attempt number 4 and before fouling on her fifth attempt.
She landed 13.62 meters on her final attempt.
Lafond said her performance is just the beginning of things to come and she is just enjoying the moment.
She represented Dominica at the 2016 Olympic Games and she said she made changes after a disappointing performance there with new training regiment and coach.
“I was not happy with how I was physically and I am mentally going into real and so I decided that you know, you make the mistake twice you look like a fool,” she said. “So I went back and I changed a lot, I increased my weights, I got a better coach and it is paying off and I am thankful for that.”
She described her family and friends as her “support and foundation.”
“Dominica Olympic Committee makes it happen financially for me for things I need, whether it’s training massages, shoes on my feet, they help provide that,” Lafond said. “My family and friends are amazing emotional support when I need a shoulder to lean on they are there, when I need a positive word or a hug, they are there. Mind you sometimes it is tough love but it is those who care about you that gives you that tough love, so I am always thankful for it…”
Lafond who attended the University of Maryland is a teacher/coach/athlete by profession in the United States.
Congratulations. What part of DA is she from.
Congratulations. This is wonderful!
Congratulations Ms Laford…Hard work and dedication obviously does pay off. You know the sacrifices that you have made…keep it up and carrying on making yourself and Dominica proud.
All the best for the future.
so when the disable went and run and win all gold medals they never recongisns him.
big up keep it up gold next time yes
Congratulation Ms. Lafond. you made your country proud. Continue the good work.
On another note i realize Dominicans only comment on political and negative news.
Congratulations, Ms. Lafond for your personal achievement and for redeeming Dominica’s participation in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Congratulations young lady, well done
Congratulations
Congratulations
CONGRATULATIONS
Yes at last some GOOD NEWS involving Dominica .
i would really like to ask Billy what is he doing in the young ladies photo /
the only reason being, wasn’t he happy with the other participants performance .
Didn’t they deserve some moral support too ?
Is it just the camera , man i thought you were already used to that kind of exposure .
Lets see you standing with the whole ”Dominica Team” some time .
Just because YOU haven’t seen a picture of Billy with the rest of the team doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Even worst you still managed to turn a positive into a negative….Shame on you
If allu not careful watch Billy take credit for the young ladies success .
Where was he when all the hard work was being done over the years ein .
Man dont make that mistake again ein .
you not de coach so dow spoil a good picture .OK
Dee you not following Dominica Olympic Committee affairs? You not hearing all the athletes talking about the positive difference Billy has made to the way the DOC is run since he has become President? The progress is obvious for all to see. Ask yourself why it did not happen over all those years when the last corrupt regime was in office? All you just cant deal with anything positive in this country . Or are you just a hater?
Dee, the president of any committee or country for that matter, has to have some influence (good or bad). A tweak here… A little tweak there could have made all the difference. We all know (including Billy) that the hard work is down to the athletes (even a coach can only advise and guide).
Finally let’s just say that maybe some of the changes that Billy has made, may have made a little difference… Don’t you think that would be good for all athletes?
We don’t need negativity… It only breeds more negativity.
C.O.Y.D (Come On You Dominicans) let’s be proud
Thea Lafond I’m VERY PROUD OF YOU!!! God bless you sweetheart!!! I’m crying with pride ?????????????????????????
Congrats! Happy for you, happy for Dominica!
Good job Thea , keep the flag flying high . Congrats
Finally, a genuine and welcome result for Dominica. Well done Thea!
Great news! Congrats Thea Lafond and the Dominican contingent. The country can really do with some good news at this time for a change.
Congrats!!!! Keep on striving.
CONGRATULATIONS, keep working hard, and may The Eternal bless you with many more victories in life and sport.
Congratulations Thea, Job well done! One for you and one for We!!!
Congratulations, Thea!
Good job Miss Lafond. Congrats!!!!
Excellent! Congratulations to Ms. Lafond for making all Dominicans proud. My wish is that you will go on to accomplish even greater things in your future endeavors. This is a genuine heartwarming moment.
Congratulations! !
big up to you Thea
Congratulations, Ms Lafond. I’m very proud of you.
Now that’s outstanding!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We are proud!!
Congratulations! Congratulations my dear Thea Lafond! Set your sights, mindset, training commitment, and determination on the next Olympic Games.
Nice going girl.