Cullen Jones

Cullen Jones is a distinguished Olympian known for his remarkable speed in the water, becoming the second African-American to win an Olympic Gold medal in swimming during the 2008 Beijing Olympics. In that defining event, Jones was a key member of the 4x100m relay team that not only won Gold but also set a world record with their performance. He continued his success at the 2012 London Olympic Games, enhancing his medal collection with a Gold in the Men's 4x100m Medley Relay and two Silver medals, one in the Men's 4x100m Freestyle Relay and another in the individual 50m Freestyle.

Beyond his Olympic accolades, Jones set an American record in the 50m freestyle in July 2009, clocking a time of 21.40 seconds, which stands as the fastest ever in U.S. history. He further extended his influence in swimming by launching initiatives like the "Cullen Jones Diversity Invitational" in 2010 to promote inclusivity in the sport and serving as an Ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation's Make a Splash Tour. This program is dedicated to teaching swimming to inner-city children, aiming to reduce drowning rates in underrepresented communities.

Jones graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2018 after returning to complete his undergraduate studies. His commitment to societal issues is evident as he actively engages in initiatives focused on self-confidence and addressing online bullying, drawing from his personal experiences with alopecia. As a speaker, Jones frequently addresses topics related to health, overcoming adversity, and the importance of inclusivity in sports, where he shares insights from his Olympic experiences and his advocacy work in various social issues.

Currently holding the position of Senior Manager of Sports Marketing and Philanthropy at Speedo, Jones continues to impact the community and sport of swimming profoundly, using his platform to inspire and educate on a broad scale.