NC State swimmer, Olympic history-maker Cullen Jones making a splash with the next generation
Posted July 23, 2021 3:37 p.m. EDT
Former North Carolina State University swimmer and four-time Olympic medalist Cullen Jones became a prominent figure as part of Team USA in 2008 in Beijing.
Swimming and winning with the legendary 4 x 100 meter freestyle relay team helped him make history as the first Black swimmer to hold a world record.
While he no longer competes, he’s dedicated to giving swimming lessons inside and outside of the pool.
“What the Olympics has showed me is that it’s not just about me,” Jones said. “It took a village, and it’s my job to share that story with the next generation.”
He’s the founder of the initiative ‘Make A Splash’ aimed at teaching children in disadvantaged communities how to swim.
After Jones nearly drowned at 5 years old, his parents signed him up for swimming lessons.
Since then, he’s been committed to inspiring other swimmers of color.
Jones also works with swimwear brand Speedo, which allows him to work with the next generation of swimmers.
“When it comes to our Speedo athletes, I’m very hands-on with our team; obviously being a part of team Speedo for six years, but in an executive role, it’s great to be able to talk to this new team and to be a mentor,” Jones said.
He recently traveled to Honolulu to work with athletes competing in the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
Despite the ongoing global pandemic, he maintains high hopes for their success.
“The expectation that I do have is that they’re going to go kick butt,” he said. “They are going to win some gold medals for sure.”
Jones, 37, lives in Charlotte with his two-year-old son Ayvn.
Like dad, Avyn has already found a love for swimming.
“I have another water baby on my hands,” Jones said. “I plan on being in the stands with the highlighter watching him race.”
Jones tells WRAL News that his next big goal is a trip to Italy, where he will coach professional swimmers who are part of the International Swim League.
