TOKYO — Dominica’s world champion Thea LaFond has been elevated to probably the most influential positions in worldwide monitor and area, securing a seat on the World Athletics Athletes’ Fee following a convincing vote of confidence from her friends.
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The announcement got here in the course of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, the place LaFond collected 1,293 votes — one of many six highest tallies — guaranteeing her place on the Fee for the 2025–2029 time period. Her election displays the esteem she instructions amongst fellow athletes and confirms her as not solely a champion on the sector, but additionally a trusted advocate off it.
A milestone in a triumphant week
LaFond’s appointment caps a exceptional week in Tokyo. Simply days earlier, she claimed a silver medal within the triple soar, a efficiency that marked her emphatic return to kind after surgical procedure curtailed her 2024 season.
The twin triumph — podium success and world election — underscores her stature as one of many sport’s most admired figures.
Nationwide leaders applaud historic achievement
Again residence, leaders in sport celebrated LaFond’s achievement. Billy Doctrove, President of the Dominica Olympic Affiliation, hailed each her athletic and administrative victories:
“I need to first congratulate Thea on her silver medal efficiency, which reveals that she is properly on her method again. I additionally want to congratulate her on her election as a member of the Athletes’ Fee of World Athletics. I believe it’s a significant appointment for Thea and Dominica.”
What the Athletes’ Fee represents
The Athletes’ Fee serves because the official voice of rivals inside World Athletics, guaranteeing their views are built-in into the federation’s insurance policies and decision-making. Since 2019, the Fee’s Chair and one different member have held full voting rights on the World Athletics Council, the game’s governing physique — giving its members direct affect on the game’s future.
LaFond joins a global slate of newly elected athletes, together with Andreas Almgren (Sweden), Lia Apostolovski (Slovenia), Lisanne de Witte (Netherlands, re-elected), Anna Ryzhykova (Ukraine, re-elected), and Gia Trevisan (Italy).
The election additionally set a brand new benchmark for athlete engagement, with a document 95.5% participation charge amongst accredited rivals.
Looking forward to Los Angeles 2028
For LaFond, this twin achievement enhances her world platform. As she continues her pursuit of excellence on the sector, her new function positions her to assist form the path of athletics worldwide. Expectations already run excessive for her Los Angeles 2028 Olympic marketing campaign, the place she is tipped to be among the many favorites in her occasion.
