Dominica's Olympic hero: an exclusive interview with Thea Lafond-Gadson
"I still see myself as just this girl from a small island, chasing big dreams"
Dominica's first Olympic gold medalist, Thea Lafond-Gadson, has captivated the hearts of her fellow Dominicans and inspired countless others around the world. From her early days in Dominica to standing atop the podium in Paris, Thea's journey is a testament to resilience, hard work, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. In this exclusive interview, Thea shares the highs and lows of her career, the values that guide her and her vision for the future of Dominican athletics.
Q: Can you walk us through your journey from a young athlete in Dominica to an Olympic gold medalist? What were some pivotal moments along the way?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
My family and I immigrated to the States when I was only five years old. Though I was raised predominantly in Maryland, my parents never let me forget where I came from. My friends talked me into joining the track and field team at 13 years old, and it was clear that my dance background truly helped with the art of jumping. A pivotal moment was when I started competing for Dominica at the age of 16 at the CARIFTA Games. It was my first time having the words "Dominica" across my chest, my first time winning medals for my country, and the first time seeing our flag raised. The following year, I became the number three jumper in America and accepted a full scholarship to the University of Maryland. After graduating, I went to my first Olympics in Rio, where I finished last in the qualifiers. That was probably the biggest turning point in my life. I allowed myself to cry for a few days and then went hunting for a new coach. I found Aaron Gadson. Together, we qualified for every major championship thereafter, including the Tokyo Games where I made it to the finals, and eventually, the Paris Games, where we won it all.
Q: What challenges did you face in training and competing at an international level, and how did you overcome them?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
The biggest challenge in training and competing internationally is truly the travelling. So much of the sport is based in Europe, but I live right outside of Washington, D.C. This meant having to figure out how to travel and recover quickly to avoid jet lag and fatigue interfering with my competition. I worked with a nutrition specialist to create a recovery plan that allows me to travel and compete at my very best, no matter where I am in the world.
Q: Who or what inspired you to pursue athletics at this level, and how has that inspiration evolved?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
A lot of my inspiration has been intrinsic. I always just wanted to be the best at what I do. I kept thinking I had more to give. If someone beat me at a competition, I always viewed it as, "When I figure it out, I'm going to beat you." It certainly helped to have amazing parents and friends who always cheered me on. Over time, that inspiration has turned into a passion for track and field and a desire to ensure that the next generation of Dominican athletes has it easier than I did to succeed.
Q: How has your training regimen and mental preparation changed as you've progressed in your career?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
My training regimen has become more refined as I've gained experience in the sport. I've learned how to properly rest and recover as I've gotten older. I used the downtime during the COVID lockdown to figure out the best nutrition plans for me. The mental preparation took centre stage after the Tokyo Games when I struggled to recover from the disappointment of not medaling. I started seeing a sports psychologist, Dr. Juliet Francis, who helped me overcome those difficult emotions. She helped me regain my confidence and stop fearing failure.
Q: What core values or principles guide you, both as an athlete and as a person?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
My two core values are: 1) Treat others the way I'd like to be treated, and 2) Remember that practice doesn't make perfect—it makes permanent. Whatever bad habit you are repeating will become you, so practice the good.
Q: What was your childhood like in Dominica, and how did it influence your passion for athletics?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
My childhood in Dominica was short since we moved to the States while I was young. However, we still went back during the summers, and I have fond memories of bathing in rivers and eating fruit daily on the front porch of my aunt's house. Being on the island constantly kept me active. I was always on the move and often dancing. Dance became my first sport or activity, and it set me up with the core principles of being a good jumper.
Q: What does Dominica mean to you, and how do you carry its spirit when competing?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
Dominica means home, kindness, and, like the last verse of our anthem states, "All for Each, and Each for All." To me, Dominica is a symbol of perseverance, bravery, and the importance of community. I try to carry that spirit by putting my best foot forward in all that I do. For many people, meeting me is their interaction with a Dominican, so I try to lead with respect and light.
Q: What message do you hope your success sends to young people in Dominica?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
I hope the young people know that they are capable. Their big dreams are achievable, and I believe in them.
Q: Can you describe when you realised you had won Olympic gold? What emotions were you feeling?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
It was right after Shanieka Ricketts took her last jump—I knew I had won. Surprisingly, it was a wave of peace. That is what I felt. All the stress and hard work became worth it. After that, the feeling of peace came with the craziest amount of joy I've ever felt in my life.
Q: What is next for you in your athletic career? Do you plan to defend your title or explore new challenges in sports?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
What is next is focusing on the 2025 season and ensuring my body and knee are healthy. I also have an eye on the Outdoor World Championship in Tokyo, Japan, this summer. It's the only medal I don't currently own.
Q: How do you envision using your platform to make a broader impact?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
I really hope to use my platform to inspire others to go for their dreams. I also hope to motivate and support young athletes in Dominica to reach higher levels in the sporting world. Besides the media aspect, I've been working on and fundraising for a field training facility in my mother's home village of Mahaut in Dominica. It will break ground in February 2025 and provide opportunities for the next generation to succeed in sports without leaving the island.
Q: Looking back, what advice would you give to your younger self starting as an athlete?
Thea Lafond-Gadson
: I would tell my younger self to have fun and hold yourself accountable.
Q: What do you hope your legacy will be in athletics and beyond?
Thea Lafond-Gadson:
I hope my legacy will be perseverance and grace. I want to be remembered as a good athlete, a great ambassador, and a phenomenal person.