Small Island nations making waves at the Paris olympics
This year’s Olympic games has had peculiar moments thus far both controversial and delightful occurrences. However, some of the outstanding moments include the historic achievements of small nations and barely known athletes.
These nations, often overshadowed by larger countries, have made significant strides in the athletic arena, earning medals and setting records that have brought pride and joy to their citizens.
Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia celebrated a historic triumph with Julien Alfred's remarkable performance in the women’s 100m race. Alfred secured her second Olympic medal at the Paris 2024 Games by finishing second in the women's 200 meters on August 6. She is now the first athlete from Saint Lucia to win both gold and silver at the Olympics. The country, ranking 34th on the medal table, is the smallest nation to boast the fastest women on Earth. "It feels amazing, to be honest. Just believing in myself and trusting that I could do it is what really mattered to me," Alfred said.
Prime Minister Philip J Pierre celebrated the achievement, calling it a great day for the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States and the Caribbean people. Saint Lucia has a population of about 180,000 and covers 238 square miles. The Island nation burst in loud cheers and chants watching from a giant screen when Alfred crossed the finished line as the fastest women on earth.
Dominica
Thea LaFond made history for Dominica by winning the gold medal in the women's triple jump with a distance of 15.02 meters. This is Dominica's first Olympic medal since it began competing at the Summer Games in 1996. The country now ranks 44th on the medal table. LaFond's victory was a momentous occasion for Dominica, a nation with just over 70,000 people. "This is for you guys," LaFond said, dedicating her win to the people of Dominica and celebrating their achievement on the global stage .
Grenada
Grenada also made its mark with Lindon Victor securing a bronze medal in the decathlon, the country's second-ever Olympic medal. Victor, who placed third in the event with a score of 8,724 points, was only surpassed by Markus Rooth from Norway and Lee Neugebauer from Germany. Grenada is ranked 69th on the medal table.
