Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond-Gadson received a warm and heartfelt welcome during her visit to St. Kitts & Nevis this week, where she was honoured at a special reception cocktail held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort on Wednesday evening.

The reception, attended by government officials, members of the sporting community, and excited students from across the island, marked the start of LaFond-Gadson’s participation in the Ninth Annual Growth and Resilience Dialogue hosted by the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) from April 10–11.

Fresh off her historic gold-medal performance in the triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics, LaFond-Gadson continues to capture hearts across the region—not only for her athletic brilliance but also for her humility, grace, and unwavering commitment to youth empowerment.

Minister of Sports, the Honourable Samal Duggins, delivered glowing remarks, saying LaFond-Gadson’s Olympic triumph symbolized everything that defines the Caribbean spirit.

“You represent all that we are as a people—our love, kindness, grit, tenacity, and of course, our talent,” Minister Duggins said. “You represent the essence of what we esteem to deliver to our young people. You represent their future, our future.”

Minister of State for Youth Empowerment, the Honourable Isalean Phillip, also praised LaFond-Gadson for the example she sets, both on and off the field.

“She always seems to be very open to give back to her people and her communities,” Phillip stated. “That speaks testament to what civic responsibility actually looks like.”

The evening reached a touching climax when LaFond-Gadson, visibly moved by the reception, took time to speak directly to the students in attendance. She shared her inspiring journey—from her early days in Dominica to the Olympic podium in Paris—and even gave the youngsters the chance to hold her gold medal, prompting wide smiles and awe.

“It’s always an honour to come back to the OECS and be embraced with such love,” she said. “I carry you all with me, every time I compete. And I want every young person here to know that greatness lives inside of you too.”

LaFond-Gadson’s presence at the ECCB-hosted dialogue underscores the powerful intersection between sport, resilience, and regional development—a message she continues to champion throughout the Caribbean.

Her visit to St. Kitts & Nevis is more than a celebration of athletic success; it is a reminder that true greatness is grounded in giving back, inspiring others, and uplifting communities.

Photos St Kitts and Nevis Information Service.