On the culminating day of the World Indoors championships of track and field in Glasgow, a Dominican athlete clinched victory in the women’s triple jump. With precision and finesse, the 29-year-old athlete soared to a commanding lead, achieving a remarkable distance of 15.01 meters in her second attempt, a feat unmatched by her competitors. As the event unfolded, she strategically opted to forego her remaining chances of jumping, confident in her unbeatable performance.

Behind this triumph lies a story of resilience and perseverance, epitomised by Thea LaFond, the victorious athlete. Recently, LaFond shared her journey of overcoming setbacks, highlighting the profound truth that in the realm of athletics, as in life, triumph often follows adversity.

From Olympic setbacks to personal triumphs – the chrysalis of Thea LaFond

Recently, on the popular YouTube channel “SportsMax TV” boasting 241k subscribers, an enlightening interview featuring Thea LaFond was conducted. When questioned about her feelings regarding her remarkable achievements, LaFond humbly attributed her success to the invaluable guidance of her coaches and the support of resources throughout her journey. Recalling her earliest international exposure at the youthful age of 16 during the Carifta Games in Montego Bay, Jamaica, LaFond reminisced about the eye-opening experience that ignited her passion for competition at a higher level.

LaFond’s road to triumph wasn’t devoid of setbacks, as she candidly shared her disappointment at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, where injury and poor performance left her at the bottom of the rankings. Notably, during that time, she faced a hamstring injury, yet her determination remained unwavering.

Despite this setback in that track and field event, LaFond’s resilience shone through as she expressed her determination, stating, “I promised my country that I’d do better,” and vowed to improve year after year. Furthermore, her journey to reach this far is also inspiring.

Early beginnings and athletic awakening in track and field

LaFond’s early life was marked by two key moves. At five, her family relocated to New Jersey, and shortly after, her father’s new job at the U.S. Department of Agriculture took them to Silver Spring. While dance, particularly ballet, jazz, and tap–initially captured her aspirations, circumstances led her down a different path. Entering high school, financial limitations prompted LaFond to explore alternative activities beyond dance. The track and field team became her new venture, initially met with hesitation. However, with her coach’s encouragement and the support of her friends, she discovered a passion for the sport.

Read More: Days Before International Women’s Day, Women in Track and Field Shattered Records at the World Athletics Indoor Championships

Despite her initial preference for long-distance running, LaFond’s coach recognized her potential in events like hurdles and eventually introduced her to the high jump, long jump, and triple jump. Under the mentorship of her coach, Chris Paul, LaFond’s talent blossomed, culminating in an opportunity to represent Dominica at the CARIFTA Games. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of LaFond’s international journey, where she chose to compete for her homeland.

Read More: “This One Is for My People”: Thea LaFond Becomes Voice of Another Caribbean Island on World Athletics Map