Thea LaFond Makes History With Dominica’s First Commonwealth Gold

GLASGOW, Scotland — Thea LaFond leapt into the history books Thursday, capturing Dominica’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medal with a stunning performance in the women’s triple jump at the 2026 Games.

Thea LaFondThe Olympic champion soared to 14.60 metres to claim the title, completing her collection of Commonwealth medals after previously earning bronze in 2018 and silver in 2022.

“It’s everything I’ve worked for,” LaFond said after the victory. “To finally have the full set, bronze, silver and gold, it means the world to represent Dominica on this stage.”

The Dominican star led a Caribbean sweep of the podium, with Jamaica’s Ackelia Smith taking silver and Shantae Foreman earning bronze.

Back home, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit took to Facebook to celebrate the historic achievement.

“Congratulations to Thea LaFond-Gadson on winning Gold in the Women’s Triple Jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” Skerrit wrote. “Another proud moment for Dominica! Way to go Champ!”

The Dominica Olympic Committee echoed the sentiment, calling the victory “another defining moment in Dominican sporting history and a testament to Thea’s consistency, dedication, and world-class talent.”

In a lighthearted moment following her triumph, LaFond joked about her post-competition cravings.

“I definitely don’t need something from Tunnock’s like tonight,” she told reporters with a smile. “I’m hoping for a caramel bar, one of those caramel chocolate bars.”

When reporters produced one on the spot, she beamed: “I love it, perfect accessory!”

The gold medal performance adds to LaFond’s growing legacy, which includes her Olympic title and now a complete set of Commonwealth Games medals: bronze at Gold Coast 2018, silver at Birmingham 2022, and gold in Glasgow 2026.