TOKYO — Dominica’s world champion Thea LaFond has been elevated to one of the most influential positions in international track and field, securing a seat on the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission following a resounding vote of confidence from her peers.
The announcement came during the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, where LaFond collected 1,293 votes — one of the six highest tallies — ensuring her place on the Commission for the 2025–2029 term. Her election reflects the esteem she commands among fellow athletes and confirms her as not only a champion on the field, but also a trusted advocate off it.
A milestone in a triumphant week
LaFond’s appointment caps a remarkable week in Tokyo. Just days earlier, she claimed a silver medal in the triple jump, a performance that marked her emphatic return to form after surgery curtailed her 2024 season.
The dual triumph — podium success and global election — underscores her stature as one of the sport’s most admired figures.
National leaders applaud historic achievement
Back home, leaders in sport celebrated LaFond’s achievement. Billy Doctrove, President of the Dominica Olympic Association, hailed both her athletic and administrative victories:
“I want to first congratulate Thea on her silver medal performance, which shows that she is well on her way back. I also would like to congratulate her on her election as a member of the Athletes’ Commission of World Athletics. I think it’s a major appointment for Thea and Dominica.”
What the Athletes’ Commission represents
The Athletes’ Commission serves as the official voice of competitors within World Athletics, ensuring their perspectives are integrated into the federation’s policies and decision-making. Since 2019, the Commission’s Chair and one other member have held full voting rights on the World Athletics Council, the sport’s governing body — giving its members direct influence on the sport’s future.
LaFond joins an international slate of newly elected athletes, including Andreas Almgren (Sweden), Lia Apostolovski (Slovenia), Lisanne de Witte (Netherlands, re-elected), Anna Ryzhykova (Ukraine, re-elected), and Gia Trevisan (Italy).
The election also set a new benchmark for athlete engagement, with a record 95.5% participation rate among accredited competitors.
Looking ahead to Los Angeles 2028
For LaFond, this dual achievement enhances her global platform. As she continues her pursuit of excellence on the field, her new role positions her to help shape the direction of athletics worldwide. Expectations already run high for her Los Angeles 2028 Olympic campaign, where she is tipped to be among the favorites in her event.
