Thea's Influence on Youth Athletes

For Precious Cherister Durand, the idea of one day becoming an Olympic Gold Medalist and representing Dominica at the highest sporting level once felt like an elusive dream. However, with Thea Lafond-Gadson's historic achievement, what was once a distant aspiration has now been transformed into a powerful source of inspiration.

At just 19, Precious is channelling this newfound motivation to set her sights on the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States, vowing to bring home another gold medal and follow in Thea's groundbreaking footsteps.

During her interview with The Sun, the young athlete spoke with admiration and pride about Thea's triumph, noting that her success, coming from a small country, is a major inspiration for young female athletes like herself.

"When I heard that Dominica got gold, I was so excited," she stated, her voice filled with excitement. "I truly believe that opportunities like these will bring more attention to the country, and that is just a motivation for rising younger athletes. It makes us feel like even though we don't have the facilities and resources we need, there's always a way out."

"Look at Thea Lafond, I'm so proud of her. This little country, and she makes us feel so big," the athlete stated.

The Canefield resident, who is also forging her path in track and field, is quickly becoming a mirror of Thea's journey to success. Like the Olympic medalist, Precious is set to continue her training in the United States, where she will leave for North Carolina in the coming weeks. There, she will pursue her education and passion for track and field, focusing on the 400 and 800 metres, with her sights set firmly on Olympic glory.

Speaking with conviction, the athlete representing Dominica at the international and regional level shared, "I feel very happy about that because I have been working hard. The circumstances that we have in Dominica—we don't have a track—affect my performance. But getting a scholarship has been a big opportunity to show my true potential and further my education."

Precious's journey into athletics began in grade four, where she consistently emerged victorious in school competitions. Her early successes lit a fire within her, further fueled when she attended the St. Martin Secondary School (SMSS) and met her coach, Cedric Harris. Here, her passion for the sport truly blossomed, setting her on the path to where she is today.

For Precious, the benefits of participating in track and field extend far beyond medals and accolades. "You get to travel to other countries, meet wonderful people, and gain opportunities. It also provides you with discipline and camaraderie," she reflects.

Despite her determination, her journey has been fraught with challenges, leading her to moments of doubt where she considered quitting due to the hardships of training in Dominica. She revealed that the inadequate training surfaces have not only hindered her progress but also caused injuries, including a serious knee issue that sidelined her for four months.

During the interview, she spoke about a turning point during a competition at the Venezuela Games that changed her outlook on everything.

"I ran 59 seconds, and I remember I was the one before the last, and it was a hit. I was like, oh my God. I'm training so hard. Why is my time so low? But I went back to my room, meditated that night, went to the finals, and came out fourth in the other games in Venezuela.

Despite these obstacles, Precious remains determined and hopeful, believing that Dominica's athletes could truly thrive with better facilities.

As a young woman in a once male-dominated sport, Precious's message to her female peers is simple: "Get a good coach, someone who understands you. Train hard, believe in yourself and remember that one competition doesn't determine where you are. No matter how tough it gets, keep pushing forward." As she prepares to leave Dominica for the next chapter in her athletic career, she says that she carries with her the hopes and dreams of a nation, determined to make her mark on the world stage and continue Thea's legacy of excellence.

As she put it, come 2028, the world will be watching, and Dominica will be cheering for another one of its own to bring home Olympic glory.