Thea LaFond facts for kids
LaFond after winning gold at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Born | 5 April 1994 Roseau, Dominica |
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| Height | 1.73 m | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 63 kg | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sport | Athletics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Event(s) | Triple jump | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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Thea Noeliva LaFond, born on April 5, 1994, is an amazing athlete from Dominica and the United States. She is famous for her skills in track and field, especially in an event called the triple jump.
In 2024, Thea made history at the Summer Olympics in Paris. She won a gold medal in the triple jump, which was the very first Olympic medal ever for her home country, Dominica! Before that, she also became the World Indoor triple jump champion in 2024.
Contents
Thea LaFond's Early Life and Career
Thea LaFond moved from Dominica to the United States when she was a young child. Growing up, she was a ballerina. Dancing taught her how to take feedback and improve her movements and technique. This skill helped her a lot later in her sports career.
She went to John F. Kennedy High School in Silver Spring, Maryland. After graduating, she even went back to teach special education there.
Thea continued her education at the University of Maryland. There, she was a multi-event athlete, meaning she competed in several different track and field events like the heptathlon and indoor pentathlon. She really enjoyed the process of getting better and stronger as an athlete.
Competing on the World Stage
Thea LaFond first competed in the Olympic Games in 2016. Her jump of 12.82 meters in the qualifying round was not enough to reach the final round.
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In 2018, Thea made history for Dominica at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She won a bronze medal in the women's triple jump. This was the first time any athlete from Dominica had won a medal at the Commonwealth Games!
She also competed at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. At these Games, she had the special honor of being Dominica's flag bearer, walking alongside fellow athlete Dennick Luke. In 2022, at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she improved her performance and won a silver medal in the women's triple jump.
Historic Wins and Recognition
On March 3, 2024, Thea LaFond achieved another amazing milestone. She became the first person from Dominica to win a gold medal at a World Championship. She took first place in the women's triple jump at the 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow, setting a new national record with a jump of 15.01 meters.
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Her biggest achievement came when she won Dominica's first-ever Olympic medal at the Paris Games. She set another new national record with a jump of 15.02 meters. After this incredible win, the government of Dominica honored her in many ways. She received money, was named a national sports ambassador, and was given a special diplomatic passport. She also received a piece of land in the village of Warner. The government also announced that a track and field facility would be built and named after her. She was also granted the Dominica Award of Honour during the country's independence day celebrations.
Thea LaFond's Personal Life
Thea LaFond is married to Aaron Gadson, who is also her coach. They live in Maryland. Thea is a Catholic.
Thea has a brother named Chreign. He plays defensive end for the Navy Midshipmen football team.
See also
In Spanish: Thea LaFond para niños
