Dominican Triple Jumper Thea Lafond says she would not be where she is today without the support of the Dominica Olympic Committee and her coaching staff led by Aaron Gadson and physiotherapist Kala Flagg.
Lafond made the remarks while speaking during the Dominica team’s first official meeting on Saturday in Japan.
Lafond and 800 meter runner Dennick Luke arrived at the Olympic Village on Friday after spending the earlier part of the week at a PanAm Sports organized training camp in a bio secure facility in Japan.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games officially got underway on Friday 23rd July and Dominica will compete in the sport of Athletics, with 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Ms. Thea Lafond in the discipline of Triple Jump.
Thea Lafond will compete in the Triple Jump event on Friday June 30th, event starts at 6:05am (Friday morning Caribbean Time June 30th)
Dennik Luke will run in the 800 meter event on Saturday July 31st, the event starts at 8:50pm (Friday night Caribbean Time June 30th)
Lafond credited her coaching staff for the work put in over the past few years to turn her into one of the top ranked jumpers in the World.
Meantime President of the Dominica Olympic Committee Billy Doctrove urged the athletes to give it their all and leave everything they have on the track and jumping area.
The DOC president told the athletes that his minimum expectations is for each athlete to obtain at least personal bests in their respective events.
He also says that they should not stop at obtaining personal bests but look to secure even bigger results at the games.
Acting General Secretary and Athletes Rep Brendan Williams told the athletes to be proud of the fact that they are now Olympians.
Williams a former athlete himself who represented Dominica in high jump reminded the athletes that they were in Japan as a result of hard work and dedication.
He told them to use the games as a tool to further build on their bright careers.
Please see link attached with audio clips and pictures of the first meeting between the President and the Dominica Delegation.
About the Dominica Delegation:
The Dominica team is led by Chef de Mission and Covid Liaison Officer Mr. Woody Lawrence, it includes coach Aaron Gadson, physiotherapist Kala Flagg,
Mr. Billy Doctrove, President of the Dominica Olympic Committee, Mr. Brendan Williams, the current Athlete Representative and Acting Secretary general, and Press Attaché, Garvin Richards.
The Olympic Games began with an Opening Ceremony on July 23 and will officially end on August 8th 2021.
Thea Lafond will compete in the Triple Jump event on Friday June 30th, event starts at 6:05am (Friday morning Caribbean Time June 30th)
Dennick Luke will run in the 800 meter event on Saturday July 31st, the event starts at 8:50pm (Friday night Caribbean Time June 30th)
