Island Journeys: Olympic gold triple jumper, Thea Lafond-Gadson, embracing her journey as a migrant athlete

Dominican-born Thea Lafond-Gadson’s story as an athlete who migrated to the United States is an inspiring example of overcoming obstacles, chasing dreams, and discovering a new home in sports. Her story is a compelling narrative of resilience, determination, courage and cultural integration.

One of the significant hurdles Thea faced as a migrant athlete was the sense of being disadvantaged. "One of the biggest challenges that I face as a migrant athlete was often feeling sometimes a little, like we were given I was given the shorter end of the stick in some situations," Thea shares. Lacking access to resources and guidance that many of her peers enjoyed, she often felt like an outsider. Her parents, unfamiliar with the athletic world, couldn't provide the support and knowledge needed to navigate her early career.

Despite these obstacles, Thea found strength and built her confidence. "I was lucky to have parents that naturally did that, that instilled confidence in me that told me that I could achieve great things," she reflects. The increase in funding from her home country - Dominica Olympic Committee also played a crucial role in levelling the playing field, allowing her to focus on her athletic development without the constant worry of resources.

Sports has been a powerful tool for Thea in integrating into American society. "My involvement in sports has helped me to integrate a lot within, you know, just the US in general," she notes. The American passion for athletics opened many doors and created numerous opportunities for her. Engaging in sports sparked conversations and helped break down barriers, fostering a sense of belonging.

"One thing I quickly realized, especially when it came to America is that the US loves athletics, they love sports in general," Thea explains. Her participation in sports allowed her to connect with people, reducing the feeling of being different and easing her integration process.

While thriving in her new environment, Thea remains deeply connected to her cultural roots. "There are two ways that I really feel that I stay connected to my cultural roots while competing internationally. One is trying to find some good Caribbean food," she shares. The comfort of familiar food brings a sense of home, even when she is far away. Additionally, social media serves as a bridge to her culture, enabling her to receive support and encouragement from her compatriots.

Reading messages and good wishes from people in Dominica makes her feel less lonely and reminds her that she is not alone in her journey. This connection to her roots provides an extra boost of motivation, knowing she has the support of her community behind her.

Thea's experiences as a migrant and professional athlete have shaped her identity. Initially feeling out of place on the global stage, she has grown to embrace her role as a representative of

Dominica. "As I've grown up, and as I've gotten more and more of these experiences, I realized what a privilege it really is to be the one here in these spaces," she says.

Her success in sports has turned her into an official ambassador for Dominica, showcasing the nation's potential and beauty to the world. "I believe my success in sports reflects very highly on Dominica," she asserts. She won gold in Triple Jump at the 2024 World Indoor Championship in Glasgow in March and gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics in August. Thea takes pride in putting Dominica on the map and hopes to inspire others to explore and appreciate her homeland.

Thea's message to aspiring athletes from Dominica is one of perseverance and ambition. "Remember that practice makes permanent, not perfect," she advises, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and good habits. She encourages young athletes to think big and utilize all available resources, reminding them that the world is full of opportunities.

Through her journey, Thea Lafond exemplifies the transformative power of sports in bridging cultural divides, fostering personal growth, and inspiring future generations. Her story is a testament to the strength and resilience of migrant athletes, and her success continues to shine a spotlight on the vibrant culture and potential of Dominica.

This story was first published by IOM.