Chreign LaFond, a defensive end for Navy, received the surprise of a lifetime during practice when his sister, Thea, won Olympic gold in the women’s triple jump in Paris. Despite not being able to watch the event, he was informed by his head coach, Brian Newberry, and was immediately congratulated by his teammates.
Thea Lafond’s victory was historic for Dominica as it marked the country’s first-ever Olympic medal, let alone a gold one. The 30-year-old athlete, who was born in Dominica and later moved to the U.S., expressed the significance of her win in representing her small country on the global stage. She highlighted the challenges faced by athletes from smaller nations in terms of resources but emphasized the importance of quality and execution in her performance.
Having initially pursued a career in dance before transitioning to track and field as a teenager, Thea’s dedication and hard work paid off with a winning jump of 15.02 in the competition. She beat out competitors from Jamaica and the U.S. to claim the gold medal, solidifying her status as an elite athlete in the women’s triple jump event.
As for Chreign LaFond, he is gearing up for his junior year with Navy football after appearing in seven career games. The team is looking to improve on their 5-7 record from last season as they prepare to kick off their 2024 campaign against Bucknell on Aug. 31. Despite the demands of being a college athlete, Chreign must be proud of his sister’s remarkable achievement on the Olympic stage.
The bond between the LaFond siblings transcends borders and sports, showcasing the power of family support and dedication to excellence. As Thea continues to make her mark in the world of track and field, Chreign will no doubt be cheering her on from the sidelines, inspired by her success and motivated to achieve his own goals on the football field. The LaFond family’s story serves as a reminder of the impact of determination, talent, and unwavering support in the pursuit of athletic greatness.
