A Mother's Pride

Thea Lafond-Gaston has become a household name in Dominica and worldwide after her remarkable victory in the triple jump at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But behind every great athlete is a strong support system, and for Thea, her mother, Dr. Anestine Lafond, has played a pivotal role in her journey. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Lafond shares insights into Thea's early years, challenges, and the unwavering support that helped propel her to Olympic glory.

Early Life and Background

Q: Can you tell us about Thea's early years and when she first became interested in athletics?

Anestine Lafond: Thea was a typical schoolchild in New Jersey, where she enjoyed running around the schoolyard and dancing in her school's dance club. I recall the security guard at Pine Grove Manor Elementary, Mr. Jenkins, who loved drawing Pokémon characters for Thea, suggesting we take her to Kennedy High School on Saturdays to run track. He had noticed how she effortlessly outran her peers during recess.

When we moved to Maryland, Thea's after-school activities included ballet, tap, and jazz. We could easily walk to the dance studio, which was convenient. However, when she reached high school and saw the wide range of extracurricular activities available, we encouraged her to explore new interests. She initially chose volleyball, even winning an award as a new player. Her coach was surprised by her talent, assuming she had prior experience, but Thea had never played on a team before. Eventually, she considered cheerleading but finally settled on track and field, primarily because her new friends were involved.

Q: What early challenges did Thea face in her athletic career, and how did she overcome them?

Anestine Lafond: 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.

Family Support and Influence

Q: How has your family supported Thea throughout her journey in athletics?

Anestine Lafond: Our support has been multifaceted. Emotionally, we've always been there for her, offering prayerful guidance and serving as a sounding board for her ideas. We've also made significant sacrifices, from transporting her to practices and competitions across Maryland, North Carolina, New York, Virginia, and Pennsylvania to vetting prospective universities to ensure a good fit. We attended many of her competitions in college to offer our encouragement. We invested heavily in her training, covering overseas travel expenses, coaching fees, insurance, and even a special diet.

Q: Were there particular moments when you felt incredibly proud of Thea's achievements?

Anestine Lafond: There have been many proud moments, such as when she won her first state championship, the New Balance National Championship, and was named Rookie of the Year at the University of Maryland. Watching her graduate as the most decorated athlete from the University of Maryland was also incredibly rewarding.

Q: Can you share any sacrifices or adjustments your family made to support Thea's training and competitions?

Anestine Lafond: We made numerous sacrifices, including covering the costs of her participation in international events representing Dominica. We created an environment of love and care and invested in training equipment. We ensured she had everything she needed to succeed.

The Road to Gold

Q: What was the atmosphere like in your household when Thea was preparing for big competitions?

Anestine Lafond: We respected Thea's space, allowing her to focus on what she needed to do. We honoured her training regimen and provided prayerful encouragement through intercessory prayers.

Q: How did Thea stay motivated and focused on winning gold?

Anestine Lafond: Thea is entirely self-motivated. She strongly desires to be the best and make her country proud.

Q: Can you describe your feelings and emotions when Thea won the gold medal?

Anestine Lafond: It was a moment of immense elation, joy, satisfaction, and vindication, all tied to a deep sense of gratitude.

Personal Insights

Q: What are some of Thea's personal qualities that you believe have contributed to her success?

Anestine Lafond: Thea's discipline, good-natured spirit, and perfectionist disposition have been key to her success. She strives for excellence in everything she does.

Q: How does Thea balance her athletic career with other aspects of her life, such as education or personal interests?

Anestine Lafond: Thea maintains her social relationships and is very thoughtful, always making time for others. She remembers people's birthdays and spends time with friends who are going through difficult times. Remarkably, she often sacrifices her own performance to help other athletes in her circle, even on the eve of major competitions.

Impact on the Community and Future Aspirations

Q: How has Thea's success impacted the local community and young athletes in Dominica?

Anestine Lafond: Thea's journey serves as strong motivation for young people in Dominica, not only those interested in athletics but in all walks of life. In Maryland, where she lives, Thea is a role model to many high school and college students. She frequently speaks to high school students and girls' groups in Montgomery County.

Q: What advice would you give other parents of young athletes pursuing their dreams?

Anestine Lafond: 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. Show by your actions that you love your child as a person, not just because they are a good athlete. Be gracious in losses as well as wins, and let home be a safe space to fail and learn from failure.

Q: What are your hopes and dreams for Thea's future in athletics and beyond?

Anestine Lafond: I hope she attains her dreams and continues being an all-around good soul and person.

Reflections

Q: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently in supporting Thea's journey?

Anestine Lafond: I wish I had attended more of her events.

Q: What message would you like to send to Thea after her incredible achievement now?

Anestine Lafond: We appreciate and love you, Thea. Your dedication and discipline are unparalleled; this incredible achievement doesn't change how we feel about you. God isn't finished with you yet, and His goodness will continue to pursue you.