LaFond posted a mark of 15.02 meters - a new national record in the event

to become the first Maryland track and field alum to medal in the Olympics.

The result was also history for her Caribbean island nation as the country's first ever Olympic medal.

Jamaica's Shanieka Ricketts and American Jasmine Moore took silver and bronze, respectively.

LaFond took the lead on her second attempt with the mark of 15.02 meters - a world best this year.

Earlier this year, LaFond won the triple jump title at the 2024 World Indoor Championships.

She posted the top jump in the world at 49-feet, 3-inches for the year.

This also marked the third Olympics for LaFond as she competed in the 2016 and 2021 games.

Before beginning her professional career, LaFond earned multiple All-American honors at Maryland

including placing in the top-ten in both the women's high jump and triple jump at NCAA Outdoor Championships in 2013. In the indoor season in 2013,

Lafond was named the USTFCCCA Mid-Atlantic Field Athlete of the Year.