Jamaica’s Shanieka Ricketts claimed silver by jumping her season’s best of 14.87 meters, and Team USA’s Jasmine Moore took bronze, also jumping a seasonal best of 14.67 meters.
LaFond’s win marks a historic first Olympic medal for the Caribbean island nation of Dominica.
The competition saw LaFond earn her winning jump in the third round, becoming the only woman in the competition to hit the 15-meter mark.
Ricketts and Moore also earned their top scores in this round before rain began showering down on the stadium, making for difficult conditions.
As conditions improved in the sixth round, Ricketts made a final attempt to better her silver medal but was unable to overtake LaFond, walking away from the pit with a smile on her face.
LaFond passed on her final jump, running to the stands to celebrate with her family, followed by LaFond and Ricketts embracing in tears.
The celebration ended with LaFond ringing the ceremonial bell at the Stade de France.
LaFond says this win was absolutely beyond her wildest dreams.
