MARYLAND, United States, (CMC) – Dominica’s first-ever Olympic gold medalist Thea Lafond-Gadson will be honoured by the University of Maryland for her historic achievement.
The 30-year-old Lafond-Gadson, who captured gold in the women’s triple jump at the Paris Olympics to become the first Dominican and Maryland alum to medal at the prestigious meet, will be celebrated during the university’s football game against Northwestern on Friday night at SECU Stadium.

Additionally, Lafond-Gadson along with basketball player Alyssa Thomas who helped Team USA reach the top of the podium for the eighth straight time, will serve as Homecoming grand marshals.

The honorary position invites notable alums, leaders and other dignitaries to act as points of pride and inspiration for the UMD community during the week of festivities.
“You think about what Homecoming really is, and how it’s the melting pot and true welcome back of generations,” LaFond-Gadson said. “To be the symbol of that and to know that it’ll be a time of joy and happiness on campus, it’s really special.”

During her time at the university, the former track and field star was named the Mid-Atlantic and Big Ten Field Athlete of the Year in 2015 and boasts eight All-American honors in the pentathlon, triple jump and high jump (indoor and outdoor).

She was also the 2015 Big Ten champion in the triple jump, posting a 44’ 2.75” leap that remains a program record, and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team by default. She was also All-ACC in 2013 and 2014.

As far as indoor competition, LaFond was the 2013 ACC champion in the pentathlon with a score of 4,111. The following year, she defended her title by improving her score to 4,222. She even added an ACC title in the triple jump and was named All-ACC in 2013 and All-Big Ten in 2015.