Olympic Gold Medalist and former Swim Instructor Returns to Summit

Olympic Gold Medalist and World Record holder Cullen Jones will be making an appearance Monday, Feb. 13th from 5:30 p.m.-7:30p.m. at in Summit.

The New York born, New Jersey raised athlete is known famously for the his world record shattering 400 Freestyle Relay in the 2008 Beijing Olympics with fellow American teammates Michael Phelps, Jason Lezak and Garrett Weber-Gale. But before his Olympic victory, Cullen became the first African-American to break a world record in swimming in an Olympic contested event during the 2006 Pan Pacific games as a part of the USA’s 4 X 100 Freestyle Relay Team.

He also won the 50 meter freestyle swimming the fastest time in the world for 2006. Cullen is a 4 time ACC Champion and 2006 NCAA Champion from North Carolina State University. After his 2008 Olympics victory, Jones was the second African-American to hold or share a world record in swimming. Cullen is currently training for his second Olympic games.

When Cullen isn’t training he gives back to the community through motivational speaking, youth clinics and even private swim lessons. He is also dedicated to helping minorities learn to swim through his work with the USA Swimming Foundation’s Make a Splash Program.

The Connection is proud of Jones’ accomplishments and is excited to have him back for this event! John Michael DePaola, a current swim instructor at The Connection says, “Jones’ story is truly inspirational for kids of all abilities to continue swimming and for us instructors to keep working to our highest ability … It is also cool to be able to say I work where an Olympic medalist used to work!

This event is FREE and open to the public. For additional information call at The Connection: 908-273-4242.

—From the Connection