LaFond, whose gold at Paris 2024 was her nation’s first Olympic medal, was competing at her fourth Games, having earned bronze in 2018 and silver in 2022.

The 32-year-old was thrilled to finally make it onto the top of the podium at what she said may be her last Commonwealth Games.

“I'm incredibly humbled and incredibly proud, and I hope Dominicans at home and around the world feel proud too,” LaFond said.

“All I want the world to know is that Dominica exists, and that we have amazing people.

“We're small but mighty - quality over quantity. We produce incredible athletes, and we are capable of so much.

“I sometimes think, ‘Oh, little old me?’. But all I'm doing is my best, and lately my best has been more than enough.

“Twelve years (since her first Commonwealth Games, at Glasgow 2014) feels like a lifetime ago, but the joy is still there. My love for the sport has only grown and so has my confidence. I'm incredibly grateful for that.”

Hurdles gold for Bahamas

Bahamas claimed their first medal of Glasgow 2026 courtesy of Women’s 100m Hurdles winner Devynne Charlton.

The 30-year-old spoiled Tobi Amusan’s bid for a third Commonwealth title in a row, with the Nigerian world-record holder finishing third.

In the Men’s Shot Put, New Zealand’s Tom Walsh, who was also chasing a third consecutive title, finished second to Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.

“My team and I definitely didn't come here aiming for silver,” said Walsh, whose best of 21.03m was 4cm behind Enekwechi.

“I just wasn't the best thrower on the day, it's as simple as that. Chuk produced an incredible throw in the fifth round. I had two chances to respond and I couldn't do it.”

There was an emotional gold for Zak Shaw in the Men’s 100m T12, almost a year after his mother Evette, a huge influence on his career, died from cancer.

After crossing the finish line at EDF Scotstoun Stadium, the Birmingham 2022 silver medallist turned over the number clipped to his England vest to reveal the words: ‘Gold for you Mum’.

“I was running for both of us, and I really wanted today to be about that,” Shaw said.

“Everyone who knew my mum knows what an incredible person she was. Today wasn't just for me - it was for her too."
Zak Shaw

“Every athlete here works hard, but I've worked incredibly hard over the past year, both physically and mentally, and I'm just so proud that I did it.

“Last year I couldn't even run 10 metres without having a panic attack. A year ago, I was wondering how I was even going to stand on the start line, never mind get myself into shape to win a gold medal.”

Australia's Rose Davies edged a sprint finish with team-mate Jess Hull in the 5000m to become the first woman to complete the 5000m-10,000m Commonwealth Games double.

South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile finished as the fastest qualifier for Friday’s Men’s 200m final, but 100m champion Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon missed out by 0.01 seconds.