

BBC OS Conversations: Becoming an Olympic and Paralympic trailblazer
Dec 28, 2024
Thea LaFond, a Dominican Olympic gold medalist in triple jump, shares her journey of overcoming financial hurdles to reach the top. David de Pina, a Cape Verdean boxing bronze medalist, discusses the challenges of juggling training, work, and family life. Palesha Goverdhan, Nepal's first Paralympic medalist, explains how her success in taekwondo inspires people with disabilities to dream big. Their stories highlight resilience and the profound impact of their achievements on their communities, paving the way for future athletes.
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Thea LaFond's Olympic Journey
- Thea LaFond started competing for Dominica at 16 and went to the Olympics in Rio, where she finished last.
- However, she persevered, making it to the finals in Tokyo and winning gold in Paris.
Thea LaFond's Start in Triple Jump
- Thea LaFond started triple jump at 13 because her mother wanted her to try something other than dance.
- She joined because her friends were doing it, highlighting the influence of peer pressure.
Why Triple Jump?
- Coaches encouraged Thea LaFond to try triple jump because of her ballet background, saying it was like three leaps in ballet.
- She instantly loved the sport.