Is Thea LaFond Christian? Know Everything About Thea LaFond’s Ethnicity and Religion

“If it took blowing my knee apart, then so be it.” An athlete with this mindset can barely fail, right? Well, Thea Lafond knew an Olympic medal had the potential to change her life. And she was ready to take her chances. That’s why she jumped. At Stade de France, she took the leap of her life despite nursing a severe injury in her right knee. And the result? Victory! But there are many more things about this champion that not many are aware of. Curious to know?

Well, one such thing is Thea LaFond’s ethnicity. The woman who got surgery done just two days after her victory in Paris, after all, where is she from? Imagine: months before Paris, a minor fracture was detected in her cartilage. She was given two options: jump now or later. And she decided to take the second route. Surely, you would want to know more about this athlete who defied all odds. Here’s everything you need to now about her ethnicity and religion,

What’s Thea LaFond’s ethnicity?

Thea Lafond is a Dominican-born athlete who migrated to the United States to chase her dreams. This tiny Caribbean island is housed within the Winward Islands, midway between Puerto Rico and Trinidad and Tobago. Not to be confused with the Dominican Republic, LaFond was born in Roseau, which is Dominica’s capital. But after 6 years, she and her family migrated to the USA and settled down in Silver Spring, Maryland, a suburb of Washington DC.

Despite the initial challenges, where she felt slightly disadvantaged as a migrant athlete, Theo LaFond set a great example of cultural integration and resilience. She rose in her ranks as an excellent track and field athlete at the University of Maryland. And all of that cumulatively bore fruit when she won the first-ever Olympic medal for her country, Dominica, at the 2024 Paris Olympics. She jumped 15.02 metres in the triple jump, which was also a national record. Eventually, her success in sports has turned her into an official ambassador for Dominica. Also, her country the Golden Leap Award ceremony on Tuesday, November 19th,

However, through all these years, she has had different means of being close to her cultural roots. In the USA and while competing internationally, she would try to always find some good Caribbean food. That brings her a sense of home, even irrespective of wherever she’s competing. Also, she leverages the power of social media. Reading messages and wishes from people from Dominica makes her feel less lonely and gives her the comfort of belonging to a community. But that brings her to the next bit: what’s Theo LaFond’s religion?

What is Theo LaFond’s religion?

Well, Thea LaFond-Gadson grew up as a devout Catholic. She would always attend the St. John the Evangelist Parish in Silver Spring. In fact, when she was a student at the University of Maryland, she had a constant presence at the Catholic Student Center on campus. Her faith? Well, she says, “I think what the Catholic Church did for me was actually provide me with this phenomenal community outside of my own biological family.” It was her second home. She would either go to adoration or Wednesday night Mass and dinner.

Also, Thea LaFond, married her husband, Aaron Gadson at the St. John the Evangelist Church itself. Moreover, even in her career, her faith seems to have played a crucial role. When Thea LaFond was made aware that she is headed to Paris, the first thing she said was, “How did you do this, God? How did this happen?” 

And when Thea LaFond speaks about her Catholic community she always says, “Because no matter where you go, you may not have biological family, but there is a Catholic church almost everywhere on this planet, and you will find a support system within those walls.” Well, that’s how much her faith and community matter to her. What do you think about this Olympic star? Let us know below!