Dominica’s sporting community is celebrating its maiden qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics, all thanks to the remarkable performance of Mrs. Thea Lafond-Gadson.
The National Triple Jumper’s impressive athletic prowess was on display at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary, where she not only competed at the highest level but also managed to shatter the national record not once, but three times, en route to a commendable fifth-place finish in the triple jump finals.
Her final leap, an incredible 14.90 metres, cemented her position as Dominica’s first qualifying athlete for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Her initial jump in the Women’s Triple Jump Finals set the tone with a record-breaking 14.71 meters, followed closely by another astounding leap of 14.49 meters. During a post-interview, the sole Dominican to compete at the event stated, “I am really happy and I am really excited and I always say that it is an honor and privilege to represent Dominica.”
Various sporting organizations, including the Dominica Olympic Committee (DOC) and the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association (DAAA), have all extended their congratulations to Lafond-Garson for her recent accomplishment.
“The Dominica Olympic Committee wishes to offer hearty congratulations to Thea for her performance in the 2023 World Athletics Championships,” they shared in a Facebook post.
“From now on refer to Thea as BIG T’” the DAAA wrote. “Thea came and showed out at the 2023 World Athletics Championship. The DAAA Executive and the athletics fraternity send BIG CONGRATULATIONS TO Mrs. Thea Lafond-Gadson!”
Senator Oscar George, the Minister with special responsibility for Youth and Sports, also added his words of commendation, stating, “Well done to you Thea. New national women’s triple jump record. We are fully behind you!!!”
You all keep celebrating MEDIOCRITY, that’s why we make snail pace progress in many areas.
The fact of the matter is that she is a seasoned triple jumper, and she did not get a medal…..! She came 5th!
Stttttuuuuuppppppeeeeeesssssss!
Jamaican here,
Give the lady her due. Did yo even watch the event to see how it unfolded?
@jamaicanproud
Yes i did look at most events including the performances of many Jamaicans like Danielle Williams, Shericka Jackson and Antonio Watson..They did fantastically well. You fake or real Jamaican did you even give them their dues? If you did, well don’t get jittery or petulant about my comment. Once more i reiterate that it was a MEDIOCRE performance!
Do you want to keep Dominicans at the bottom, while jamaicans are shining?
When you get a medal then talk , her efforts are amazing, what did you ever do but talk nonesense?congratulations to her !!!!!
@Minvie
What i have done is more than you will ever do…Fact is the lady had a MEDIOCRE performance. She camd 5th. Take that to the bank, and do not burst any blood vessel.
You must be one of those who is sends your child on a trip for getting 65%. Stop being like that. Encourage excellence.
I do agree with your points. It’s like we crave success so we accept any little thing. I have never been a supporter of this fake Dominican and I make no apologies. Improve sporting facilities in Dominica and let’s get some real success because the talent is there.
@Garcon
I am with you on that. We should call out mediocrity for what it is, and praise excellence.
Well said MEME, I said the exact same thing before. Dominica is so great at being bad at sports, that we celebrating losing, and I find that so sad. Losing is not, and never has been an accomplishment. Sure, you can praise people for taking part in sports (or any other activities) but time after time Dominicans will lose in something yet people will celebrate & praise them, when there’s really nothing to celebrate or praise them about. Dominica could lose to another island 20-1 in football for example & the people would still act like Dominica won the World Cup. Only in Dominica does being a loser make you a winner. Such a backwards mentality so many Dominicans have, that’s why the country still is the way it is – because they have that mentality for everything
Congrats Thea! Keep up the good work.
This was amazing to watch congrats Thea…..I can’t wait to watch the Olympics
. Watching from Canada it was amazing to see this Dominica lady representing.
Lets to Thea
congratulations
what a fantastic performance
Firstly, it would have been good if you could tell us of the number of Dominicans who took part in the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Hungary. Was it ZERO? We all know that Thea Lafond’s training and everything else is done out of state, reasons why not too many people celebrate.
Secondly if you, (the writer), have any connection with the Dominica Athletics Association, its Public Relations is very very poor. It’s like athletics is a dead sport in Dominica…In order to develop a fan base, the association needs to sell the sport more to the general public.. It needs a Public Relations Officer. Does it have one?
Thirdly it would be interesting to know how many officials travelled to Budapest, Hungary, although it seem like we had ZERO home based athlete at the event.
Finally people need to know about the progress of the construction of the synthetic track..If you have any connection with the athletics association, pass on the concerns.
Jamaican here, you obviously don’t understand how this sport works. I would say close to 50% if not more of elite athletes train outside of their home counties for various reasons.
Give the lady her due. Did yo even watch the event to see how it unfolded?
1. Elite competition
2. Training facilities
When a sport is striving in a place no PR needs to be done
@jamaicaproud
You don’t tell me what my opinion should be. I know 100 times better than you that some athletes train abroad. Don’t repeat to me what i already know. I know more about every single Jamaican athlete than you do..So while the Jamaicans are blazing the trail, you want me to accept MEDIOCRITY? That’s tantamount to an insult on my person.
Know your place brother!
@jamaicaproud
Well that’s why we need a PRO because the sport is not THRIVING here in Dominica…You are supporting my point, so just chill…
By the way striving and thriving are not the same!