When it comes to Olympic success, it’s not always about the total medal count. For some nations, it’s about achieving something extraordinary on the global stage, no matter their size. Dominica, a small island nation in the eastern Caribbean Sea, achieved exactly that at Paris 2024, all thanks to one remarkable athlete.
Dominica’s First Gold: Thea LaFond’s Historic Win
In a moment that will be etched in the annals of Dominica’s history, Thea LaFond secured her country’s first-ever Olympic medal by winning gold in the women’s triple jump. LaFond was the only female athlete representing Dominica in track and field, and her victory wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a triumph for her entire nation. With a population of just around 70,000, Dominica now boasts the highest gold medal count per capita in the world, a remarkable feat for such a small country.
Grenada Takes the Lead in Overall Medals Per Capita
While Dominica claimed the title for golds per capita, Grenada, another Caribbean neighbor, led the way in overall Olympic medals per capita. With two bronze medals from Paris 2024, Grenada, with a population of approximately 117,220, solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in Olympic athletics, despite its small size.
The Caribbean’s Strong Olympic Presence
The top three medal-winning countries with populations under 200,000—Grenada, Dominica, and St. Lucia—are all Caribbean neighbors. St. Lucia’s Julien Alfred, who won gold in the women’s 100 meters and silver in the 200 meters, added to the region’s impressive tally. Alfred’s achievements marked St. Lucia’s first Olympic medals, putting the island on the map as a formidable competitor.
Australia’s Impressive Record
Australia also had much to celebrate. With 18 gold medals, the most it has ever won in a single Olympic Games, Australia finished fourth overall and 10th on the per capita list. This achievement marks a significant improvement from previous Olympic Games, showcasing the country’s strength across multiple sports.
New Zealand: A Small Country with Big Wins
However, when it comes to gold medals per capita, New Zealand shines brightly. With 10 golds, New Zealand ranked third on the per capita table and 11th overall. This is an extraordinary accomplishment for a nation with a population of just over 5 million, reflecting the country’s rich sporting culture and dedication to excellence.
Ireland and Slovenia Among Top Performers
Slovenia and Ireland also made the top 10 in gold medals per capita, with Slovenia winning two golds and Ireland securing four. Ireland’s four gold medals represent the highest number it has ever won in an Olympic Games, doubling its previous record from Tokyo 2020.
A New Perspective on Olympic Greatness
While the United States and China often dominate the headlines with their massive medal hauls, the true measure of Olympic success can be seen in the achievements of smaller nations. Dominica’s gold, Grenada’s medals per capita, and the Caribbean’s overall performance remind us that greatness comes in many forms.
Top 10 Countries by Gold Medals Per Capita:
| Rank | Country | Gold Medals |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dominica | 1 |
| 2 | Grenada | 0 |
| 3 | St. Lucia | 1 |
| 4 | New Zealand | 10 |
| 5 | Slovenia | 2 |
| 6 | Ireland | 4 |
| 7 | Netherlands | 15 |
| 8 | Australia | 18 |
| 9 | Norway | 10 |
| 10 | Jamaica | 4 |
A Golden Future for Small Nations
As Thea LaFond eloquently put it after her victory: “My country’s name is Dominica. We’re not the Dominican Republic. We are about roughly 70,000 people. Not 7 million. Not 70 million. Seventy thousand. And now they have a gold medal.” Her words capture the pride of a nation and the power of individual achievement on the global stage.
Julien Alfred of St. Lucia echoed similar sentiments after her own success, recalling her humble beginnings and the determination that brought her to the pinnacle of Olympic glory. These stories of perseverance and triumph are a testament to the spirit of the Olympic Games and the unyielding drive of athletes from small nations.
