Dominica’s Olympic and World Indoor triple jump champion Thea LaFond-Gadson has been named among 10 candidates vying for six available seats on the World Athletics Athletes’ Commission. The elections will be held during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo from September 8–20, 2025.
LaFond-Gadson, one of the most accomplished athletes in Caribbean history, is the only nominee from the region. Her candidacy reflects her stature in global athletics and her ongoing commitment to athlete advocacy and representation within the sport’s highest structures.
The Athletes’ Commission plays a crucial role in bridging communication between athletes and World Athletics, with members contributing to governance, policy, and strategic decisions. Since 2019, both the Chairperson and one other member – one male and one female – have held full voting rights on the World Athletics Council, reinforcing the importance of athlete voices in the sport’s leadership.
Joining LaFond-Gadson on the list of nominees are Mo’ath Alkhawaldeh (Jordan), Andreas Almgren (Sweden), Lia Apostolovski (Slovenia), Joan Chelimo (Romania), Lisanne de Witte (Netherlands), Ramil Guliyev (Türkiye), Anna Ryzhykova (Ukraine), Hassan Taftian (Iran), and Gia Trevisan (Italy).
This year’s elections mark a significant shift, as athletes competing in Tokyo will be allowed to vote either in person or online—an innovation designed to increase accessibility and participation. The extended voting window will further accommodate athletes who arrive late or leave early during the Championships.
To be eligible for election, candidates must have competed in either of the last two World Championships, the most recent Olympic Games, or be participating in the 2025 Tokyo edition.
Once elected, the six new Commission members will vote internally to appoint a Deputy Chair, who will assist the Chairperson in guiding the work of the Commission and ensuring athletes’ perspectives are represented in key decisions.
The official campaign period begins on August 25, with the final election results to be announced on September 21—the closing day of the Championships.
LaFond-Gadson’s nomination puts her in a strong position to continue her leadership and advocacy on a global stage. Should she be elected, it would mark another historic milestone for Dominica and the wider Caribbean, ensuring that the region continues to have a voice in shaping the future of international athletics.
