Olympic Champion Thea LaFond Receives Honorary Doctorate at UWI Five Islands

Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea LaFond has received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from The University of the West Indies during its 2026 graduation ceremony at the Five Islands Campus in Antigua and Barbuda.

The honour recognised her sporting achievements, contribution to Caribbean pride and leadership beyond the athletics arena.

Addressing graduates after receiving the degree, LaFond described a journey shaped by disappointment, difficult decisions and a determination to improve.

“My journey to Olympic success was far from smooth,” she said.

LaFond recalled finishing last at her first Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. Rather than allowing that result to determine her future, she changed her coaching and training arrangements.

“I refused to stay in a situation that led to a disappointing result,” she told the graduating class.

She subsequently reached the final at the Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, but remained outside the medals. That experience prompted further changes to her preparation before her breakthrough at the Paris Games.

“And three years later, on a damaged knee, at the Paris Olympic Games, it came together — Olympic gold,” she said.

LaFond’s achievement secured Dominica’s first Olympic medal, placing the country at the top of the podium in the women’s triple jump.

The university’s citation also highlighted her work as a special needs teacher and her advocacy for greater visibility and recognition for women in sport.

For LaFond, success brought a responsibility to inspire others, particularly young Caribbean athletes who may question whether their ambitions are achievable.

She said her Olympic victory demonstrated “that we are capable of greatness.”

Linking her message to the graduation theme, “Built to Adapt, Ready to Lead,” LaFond encouraged graduates to carry the university’s excellence into their communities and professional lives.

“Be that light rising from the west, bright, shining, bold, built to adapt and ready to lead,” she said.