Dominica’s Olympic gold medalist Thea LaFond has been awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of the West Indies (UWI) during its Five Islands Campus graduation ceremony in Antigua and Barbuda on Saturday.

LaFond, who made history by winning Dominica’s first Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games, received the honorary degree in recognition of her outstanding achievements in athletics, her contributions to education and her advocacy for women in sports.

The university’s public orator, Makeda Fleming-Challenger, presented LaFond for the award, describing her journey from a young ballerina to an Olympic champion as one of resilience, determination and Caribbean excellence.

LaFond, who grew up in Dominica before migrating to the United States, attended John F. Kennedy High School in Maryland and later the University of Maryland, where she developed her skills in several track and field disciplines.

Her international achievements include bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, silver in 2022 and gold in 2026, as well as a world indoor title in 2024.

Her greatest achievement came at the Paris Olympics, where she leaped 15.02 meters to secure Dominica’s first Olympic medal.

The ceremony heard that LaFond competed in Paris despite suffering from fractured cartilage in her knee and underwent surgery just two days after winning gold.

Beyond athletics, the university recognised her five years of service as a special needs teacher and her efforts to promote greater sponsorship, visibility and recognition for female athletes across the Caribbean.

Fleming-Challenger highlighted LaFond’s message to young people that the size of their island should never determine the size of their dreams.

She also acknowledged the support of LaFond’s husband, Aaron Godson, and her parents throughout her career.

UWI Chancellor Dr. the Most Honourable Dodridge D. Miller formally conferred the honorary Doctor of Laws degree on LaFond during the ceremony.

The recognition adds another distinction to the Dominican athlete’s career, honouring not only her sporting accomplishments but also her contributions to education, youth empowerment and Caribbean representation on the international stage.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Dominican Olympic Champion Thea LaFond Receives Honorary Doctorate from UWI Five Islands Campus.