Thea LaFond-Gadson awarded Dominica’s highest honor for historic Olympic gold

ROSEAU, Dominica – Dominica’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist, Thea LaFond-Gadson, received her nation’s highest accolade, the Dominica Honour Award, during a formal Independence Day Rally on Sunday.

This award marks national recognition of LaFond-Gadson’s historic gold in the women’s triple jump at the Paris Olympics and her victory at the World Indoor Championships in Glasgow.

The award ceremony, held at the National Parade, featured an address from Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, who commended the 30-year-old’s outstanding achievements and her role as an inspiration to Dominicans. Dominica’s President, Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, formally presented the award, joining in honoring LaFond-Gadson as one of 18 distinguished Dominicans and international figures recognized this year.

LaFond-Gadson, visibly moved, described receiving the Dominica Honour Award as her “greatest achievement ever” and encouraged young Dominicans to pursue their dreams with determination and resilience.

In addition to the national ceremony, LaFond-Gadson was celebrated at a luncheon hosted by the private sector last Monday. She has also been appointed as a sports ambassador and was awarded $400,000 along with a government land grant, reflecting Dominica’s pride in her accomplishments.