A week after Grenada threw a huge party, motorcade and presentation of gifts for three medalists at the just-concluded Paris Olympics, fellow Eastern Caribbean island nation of Dominica on Sunday did likewise for triple jumper Thea La Fond-Gadson who brought the first ever Olympic medal to the Emerald Island.

La Fond-Gadson, her husband and coach Aaron as well as other family members rode in a state vehicle and motorcade from the main airport at Portsmouth in the north to Roseau in the capital as thousands of Dominicans lined the streets, waving flags and congratulating her on not only winning the island nation’s first medal, but a gold in the triple jump.

Dressed in a tracksuit of local colors, Thea used crutches to support herself because she recently underwent surgery for a troublesome right knee that had started acting up earlier this year. She said that she had had no intention of missing Paris so she worked through the pain barrier until bagging the gold medal.

“The doctor said you can stop jumping for three months and miss the Olympics. I did not cry. I realize we could manage. We persevered and we won. I will be fine in a couple months. I am one week post-surgery,” she told a huge crowd to loud applause at an outdoor rally attended by Prime Minister Roosvelt Skerrit and thousands of locals. She reminded the audience that she could have medaled in the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 but her winning jump was ruled as a foul.

Thea LaFond of Dominica celebrates after winning gold Women’s Triple Jump Final – Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France – Aug. 03, 2024. REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

This time “we did it, we did it. I have to recognize all of you who greeted us through the sun and rain. Dominica’s greatest resource is its people. My parents raised me with a mentality that we do not cry, we try. I took this mentality and I ran with it. I carry all of you in my heart. I have you with me always. I will always have Dominica, always. My parents supported all my endeavors. To my dear husband, my coach extraordinaire. He is the mastermind behind it all. Thank you, my love. All that I do is to make us look good, make us proud and make sure they know my name and country,” she said.

Speaking after the new national hero, Prime Minister Skerrit announced a cash gift to the US equivalent of $148,000, the award of a diplomatic passport for her and her husband, 7,459 square feet of land to build a home in a trendy new sub development and the nation’s highest award. Money has already been found, and land allocated, to construct a new synthetic track for local athletes. The stadium will bear her name. Three other Dominicans who had met qualifying criteria for the Olympics but did not medal will each receive approximately $7,000 each.

“We extend our deepest gratitude. This victory is yours as much as it is hers. We honor you today for strength, determination and resilience and for lifting the name of Dominica on the global stage. Your journey to this moment was not an easy one. As your national anthem was played every Dominica national’s heart was swollen with pride. In that moment you embodied the very best of us,” Skerrit said as bands played patriotic songs.

“Dominica is a nation of champions. It is a place where dreams can come through if we are willing to make it happen. This will be your greatest legacy to inspire our people to dream big. Your triumph is a powerful reminder of the importance of investing in our youths. We are proud to call you our own and will forever cherish this moment in history. You are our golden girl.”