Tokyo Olympics: Dominica triple jumper Thea LaFond advances for finale

Dominica: The triple jumper from the Commonwealth of Dominica, Thea LaFond, has been advanced for the finale round in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics.

Dominica's triple jumper has made a national record and her personal best in the process with a leap of 14.60 meters. Lafond waited for five years for this opportunity.

With this leap, LaFond has finished 3rd overall in the field of thirty-four jumpers and topped Group B.

As per the criteria, in order to qualify for the finale, a jump of 14.4 meters was needed in which LaFond passed on her two final attempts. Her jump was the third-best among the two qualifying groups.

The top 12 athletes from both groups proceeded to the finale. The final round is all set to take place on Sunday, August 1, 2021, at 7:15 am (Caribbean Time).

The Dominican triple jumper - Thea Noeliva LaFond was born on April 5, 1994. Earlier, LaFond also competed at the Summer Olympics in the year 2016 in the women's triple jump with a result of 12.82 meters in the qualifying round but was not able to qualify for the finale.

LaFond also got the opportunity to represent Dominica at the Commonwealth Games of 2018, during which she secured a Bronze medal in the women's triple jump event while creating history by becoming the first Dominican athlete to win a medal for the island country at the Commonwealth Games.

The Prime Minister of Dominica - Roosevelt Skerrit, congratulated and appreciated the hard work & dedication of LaFond and wished her good luck for the finale. He announced to honour the Olympian athlete whether she wins the finale or not.

PM Skerrit added, "LaFond is already a winner for the Dominican government."

After getting qualified for the finale and seeing the love people showered on her, LaFond cited, "I am so thankful for all the love and support. I’ll try to get back to everyone in the morning. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart."

The citizens of Dominica cheered LaFond via their messages and comments on social media and wished her good luck ahead of the finale.