Person of the Year

In 2024, Dominica witnessed a moment that forever changed its history: Thea Lafond-Gadson leapt into the record books and the hearts of her fellow Dominicans by clinching the island's first Olympic gold medal. This historic achievement, accompanied by her humility, perseverance, and dedication to her country, has earned her the title of The Sun's Person of the Year.

Born on April 5, 1994, in Mahaut, Dominica, Thea Lafond-Gadson immigrated to the United States with her family at age five. Despite living abroad, she remained deeply connected to her Dominican roots. Her athletic career began to flourish in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she balanced academics with a passion for sports. Thea first competed for Dominica in the 2011 CARIFTA Games and has since represented the island at major international events, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.

Her journey has been defined by resilience. From battling physical challenges to competing without the resources and facilities readily available to athletes from larger nations, Thea's story is a testament to determination and grit. As her mother, Dr. Anestine Lafond, remarked, "Thea is entirely self-motivated. She has a strong desire to be the best and make her country proud".

Golden jump

The pinnacle of Thea's career came on August 3, 2024, at the Paris Olympics. On her second jump in the triple jump final, she soared to a distance of 15.02 metres, setting a national record and securing gold ahead of Jamaica and the United States. This moment solidified her place in history and marked Dominica's emergence on the global athletic stage.

Recalling the pressure-filled moments before her winning jump, Thea said, "One of the biggest influences and motivations was my coach and husband, who told me, 'There's torrential downpour coming in ten minutes; you have to do something big now.' And I said, 'Okay.' That advice honestly was the game changer".

Her victory was more than a personal achievement. It was a rallying cry for sports development in Dominica. Speaking after her win, Thea expressed hope that her medal would inspire officials to prioritise building a synthetic track, enabling the next generation to train and compete at home.

"I want a place where the next generation doesn't necessarily have to go overseas to start budding their greatness," she said. "Kids should just be able to hang out on the track and race each other for fun".

Person of the Year

Every year, The Sun selects a Person of the Year who has significantly impacted Dominica. This choice reflects an individual or institution's role as a significant newsmaker whose actions have inspired, challenged, or influenced the nation. Thea Lafond-Gadson fits this criterion perfectly. Her Olympic triumph united Dominicans worldwide, showcasing the heights that can be reached through hard work and national pride.

Billy Doctrove, President of the Dominica Olympic Committee, lauded her achievement: "This historic achievement by Thea is the greatest in the history of Dominica since we gained independence. We admire Thea's humility; she is an exceptional athlete but an even better human being".

Thea's victory sparked an outpouring of emotion across Dominica. From the villagers of Mahaut to the diaspora, Dominicans celebrated with tears of joy, pride, and gratitude. "I got goosebumps when I heard our anthem play," one villager exclaimed. Another added, "Girl, tears came out in my eyes when I saw that".

Social media lit up with tributes, while community gatherings erupted in celebration as the national anthem played during the medal ceremony. Reflecting on the moment, Thea said, "I hope my country is proud. They deserve to celebrate; they have been an amazing support throughout the year".

Local and regional athletes hailed Thea as a trailblazer, crediting her for changing the vision of sports in Dominica.

"Thea stuck with Dominica through thick and thin. I can say she will change the vision of sports in Dominica forever," said National Triple Jumper Fabien Florant.

Thea Lafond-Gadson's Olympic gold medal is more than a symbol of personal triumph—it is a beacon of hope. It highlights the potential of Dominican athletes and underscores the need for investment in sports infrastructure. Thea hopes to see Dominica embrace its sporting future, fostering an environment where young athletes can thrive without leaving their homeland.

"We all know I was teaching about a year and a half ago," she said. "The support I received from Dominica allowed me to fully focus on my craft, and we've seen the changes in just two years".

As a teacher, role model, and athlete, Thea's influence extends beyond the track. She reminds us of what is possible when talent meets opportunity, and her legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

In recognising Thea Lafond-Gadson as the Sun's Person of the Year, we celebrate her remarkable achievements and the spirit of a nation uplifted by her success.

Read our Person of the Year profile below.

First Published 17 December 2024.