Thea LaFond can surely be termed as the pride of her nation. Specializing in the triple jump category of track and field, LaFond has always impressed since she was a child. With her impeccable talent slowly gaining momentum, she started to have big dreams. And come 2024, one of LaFond’s biggest aspirations came to fruition. While qualifying for the Olympics was a big deal in itself, LaFond was not satisfied to be just termed as an Olympian. She worked hard and beat all of her competitors to clinch the coveted gold medal. 

And with that, she made history. Thea LaFond became the very first athlete in Dominica to win an Olympic medal, let alone gold. Following a fantastic 2024, LaFond also took the pole position as she competed at the 2024 Indoor Triple Jump Championships. Surely, all such accolades will make her nation proud. But the ones without whom she might not have been reaching this pedestal are her parents. Let’s have a detailed look at Thea LaFond’s parents. 

Who is Thea LaFond’s father?

Thea LaFond was born to Dorian LaFond and Dr. Anestine Theophile-LaFond. Her father, Dorian, secured a job with the US Department of Agriculture. This meant the family would move to Silver Springs, Maryland. At the time of relocation, Thea was just five years old. While her father encouraged his daughter to pursue her dreams, Thea had a different kind of fear growing up. 

She watched both her parents go out in the morning and come back home late in the night. This instilled a feeling of resilience inside Thea. She decided to repay the hard work by becoming a star. 

Who is Thea LaFond’s mother?

Behind Thea LaFond’s Olympic glory hides the unending support and sacrifices of a mother who built the foundation. Dr. Anestine LaFond, an educator by profession, has been the guiding force behind Thea LaFond’s rise to Olympic greatness. From a tender age, Dr. LaFond ensured Thea had a well-rounded upbringing. She even encouraged her to engage in various extracurricular activities. “We created an environment of love and care and invested in training equipment. We ensured she had everything she needed to succeed,” Dr. LaFond shared.

Recognizing Thea’s athletic potential early on, Dr. LaFond supported her daughter’s exploration of sports. From dance to volleyball, young Thea was encouraged to do it all before she ultimately settled on track and field. And that’s when the making of the Olympic champ began!

Her proud mother noted, “Thea is shorter than many athletes who compete in her events, so she had to train harder to excel. Her determination and work ethic have always been exceptional.” The family’s support extended beyond emotional encouragement, involving significant sacrifices. Dr. LaFond further shared, “We made numerous sacrifices, including covering the costs of her participation in international events representing Dominica.”

LaFond’s mother also knew when to step back and let Thea carve her own path. “Pray for your child—parental prayers are powerful. Support your child and encourage them to remain dedicated to their chosen path. Know when to step back and ensure that what is being pursued is the child’s passion, not what the parent thinks the child should do,” she advised while talking in an interview with SunDominica

Cut to the 2024 Paris Olympics. As Thea stood atop the podium at the city of love, it was a moment of validation not just for Thea but also for the unwavering support of her family. “It was a moment of immense elation, joy, satisfaction, and vindication, all tied to a deep sense of gratitude,” narrated the proud mother who stood there as a pillar to support her quest for greatness. Her influence, both as a mother and a mentor, has undoubtedly been pivotal in shaping Thea’s path to becoming a champion.

What is Thea LaFond’s parents’ nationality?

Thea LaFond’s athletic journey is deeply rooted in her Dominican heritage. Her parents, Drs. Dorian LaFond and Anestine Theophile-LaFond, are originally from Dominica. And it is pretty evident that Thea has indeed remained true to her Caribbean roots. 

Thea was born to her parents in their homeland, Mahaut, Dominica. Later the family had to relocate to the USA to support Dorian LaFond’s job. Despite growing up in the U.S., Thea’s connection to her parents’ Dominican roots remained strong. That later influenced her path to becoming a world-class athlete. And LaFond is making sure that she continues to make her nation proud with her success story.