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Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond-Gadson was honored by the University of Maryland for her historic achievements during homecoming.
Dominica’s first-ever Olympic gold medallist Thea LaFond-Gadson was honored in a special ceremony by the University of Maryland on Friday night for her historic achievement at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
LaFond-Gadson, a 30-year-old alumna of the university, captured gold in the women’s triple jump, making her the first Dominican athlete and Maryland alum to reach the top of the Olympic podium.
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LaFond-Gadson’s triumphant return to her alma mater was marked by a celebration during the university’s football game against Northwestern at SECU Stadium.
As part of the festivities, she was recognized for her contributions to both athletics and her university community.
The Olympic champion served as one of the Homecoming grand marshals alongside basketball player Alyssa Thomas, who recently helped Team USA secure its eighth straight Olympic gold in basketball.
“You think about what Homecoming really is, and how it’s the melting pot and true welcome back of generations,” said LaFond-Gadson, reflecting on the honor.
“To be the symbol of that and to know that it’ll be a time of joy and happiness on campus, it’s really special.”
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The University of Maryland’s Homecoming celebrations invite notable alumni, leaders, and dignitaries to act as sources of inspiration for current students and the wider community.
LaFond-Gadson, who has enjoyed a long and distinguished career in athletics, was a fitting choice.
During her time at the university, she was named the Mid-Atlantic and Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year in 2015, earning eight All-American honors across the pentathlon, triple jump, and high jump in both indoor and outdoor competition.
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Thea LaFond-Gadson’s legacy at Maryland goes beyond her Olympic success.
In 2015, she claimed the Big Ten championship in the triple jump, leaping 44’ 2.75” – a record that still stands in the program today.
She was automatically named to the All-Big Ten First Team and had already established herself as a force in collegiate athletics with All-ACC honors in both 2013 and 2014.
LaFond-Gadson also excelled in indoor track and field. She was the ACC champion in the pentathlon in 2013, with a score of 4,111, and successfully defended her title the following year by improving her score to 4,222.
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She added an ACC title in the triple jump in 2014 and maintained her dominance by being named to the All-Big Ten team once again in 2015.
The athlete’s journey from university standout to Olympic gold medallist has made her a source of pride not just for Dominica, but for her former university.
The SECU Stadium crowd roared in applause as LaFond-Gadson waved to the fans, grateful for the honor bestowed upon her.
Her contributions to track and field both at the university level and on the global stage have cemented her as one of Maryland’s most accomplished athletes.
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