LaFond completes Commonwealth Games medal collection with golden leap

Thea LaFond added another historic chapter to an already extraordinary career on Thursday, soaring to victory in the women's triple jump to secure Dominica's first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal.

Competing at the XXIII Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, the reigning Olympic champion produced a winning leap of 14.60 meters to stand atop the podium and complete an unprecedented progression through the Games, having previously claimed bronze in 2018, silver in 2022, and now the coveted gold.

Her triumph also highlighted the Caribbean's dominance in the event, with Jamaica's Ackelia Smith capturing silver and compatriot Shantae Foreman earning bronze to complete a regional sweep of the medals.

A historic milestone for Dominica

LaFond entered the competition as one of the favorites and lived up to expectations with a composed and commanding performance.

Her best effort of 14.60 meters (+0.7 m/s) proved beyond the reach of the field, securing another landmark achievement for the athlete who has consistently broken new ground for Dominican sport.

The victory follows her historic success at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she became the first athlete from Dominica to win an Olympic medal by capturing the women's triple jump title.

Now, with Commonwealth Games bronze, silver, and gold to accompany her Olympic crown, LaFond has further cemented her place among the Caribbean's greatest field-event athletes.

Caribbean excellence on full display

The women's triple jump final showcased the region's depth, as three Caribbean nations occupied every place on the podium.

LaFond's winning mark of 14.60 meters secured gold, while Jamaica's Ackelia Smith claimed silver with 14.04 meters. Fellow Jamaican Shantae Foreman completed the podium after producing a best leap of 13.96 meters to earn bronze.

The result underscored the Caribbean's continued prominence in international athletics beyond its traditional sprinting success.

Nation celebrates historic achievement

News of LaFond's victory sparked celebrations across Dominica, with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit among the first to salute the nation's newest Commonwealth champion.

In a message shared on Facebook, Skerrit wrote:

"Congratulations to Thea Lafond-Gadson on winning Gold in the Women's Triple Jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games."

He described the achievement as: "another proud moment for Dominica! Way to go Champ!"

The Dominica Olympic Committee also hailed the performance, calling it another defining moment in the nation's sporting history.

"This remarkable achievement is another defining moment in Dominican sporting history and a testament to Thea's consistency, dedication, and world-class talent. Congratulations, Thea! You continue to inspire a nation and make Dominica proud. Congratulations, Commonwealth Champion!"

A sweet celebration

After the competition, LaFond's post-victory celebration revealed a lighter side of the newly crowned champion.

During a media interview, she joked that she hoped to celebrate with one of Scotland's famous caramel chocolate bars.

"Thank you so much. I appreciate it. I definitely need something from Tunnock's tonight, so I'm hoping for a caramel bar, one of those caramel chocolate bars."

Moments later, reporters presented her with the requested treat, prompting a smile from the Olympic champion.

"I love it, perfect accessory!"

It was a fitting end to a golden day for LaFond, one that delivered another historic first for Dominica and reinforced her status as one of the Caribbean's most accomplished athletes.