This week on Here’s What We Know, our host, Gary Scott Thomas, sits down with Cullen Jones, Olympic gold medalist swimmer, world record holder, and passionate water safety advocate.
Cullen shares the extraordinary story of how a near-drowning at age five ignited his purpose, ultimately driving him to become one of the fastest swimmers in history and a leader in the movement to make swimming accessible to every child.
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In this episode:
- How Cullen’s upbringing influenced his path to greatness
- The mindset and training that fueled Cullen’s record-breaking career
- The surprising way boredom can be a powerful tool for growth
- Personal stories of overcoming setbacks and staying motivated through the highs and lows
- Behind-the-scenes moments from the Olympics, from relay teamwork to celebrations
- Cullen’s mission to reduce drowning rates through initiatives like Make a Splash and Goldfish Swim School
- Insights into the cultural and historical barriers that keep many from learning to swim
Quotations:
”I’d rather be busy than bored.” ~ Cullen Jones
“You have to live the goal. So I would have to set up things in my life and systems in my life that keep me excited about the fact of trying to get 0.01.” ~ Cullen Jones
“If I work as hard as I believe I can, I can do anything.” ~ Cullen Jones
“It doesn’t mean just because you can push yourself further doesn’t mean that you always should.” ~ Cullen Jones
“When you turn around and see that one and an AR or a WR next to your name, you feel no pain. You are just so excited that you did it. That when I set up that American record, I did something to my finger. It wasn’t fully dislocated. I literally popped it back and was like, Slap in the water, I would have no pain. Adrenaline was just too high. Didn’t feel it.” ~ Cullen Jones
“I’m a little jealous. I wish I had this opportunity to race with 6,000 people watching, breaking records. Man, that would have just lit me up.” ~ Cullen Jones
“I’m a firm advocate. You’ve got to learn to swim. It’s a life skill.” ~ Cullen Jones
“I think a lot of parents need to know, too. It’s let the coach coach. I mean, if you’re not getting it from the coach, maybe think about a different avenue, but you need to coach the attitude and the thought process behind them being present in whatever sport it is, because that’s the part where the coach can’t get through. That’s a parent’s need to be in charge of that piece.” ~ Cullen Jones
“We are stronger together.” ~ Cullen Jones
Bio:
Cullen Andrew Jones is a four-time Olympic medalist and the first African American male swimmer to hold a world record. At the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, Jones swam on the legendary world-record-setting 4×100 freestyle relay team.
In 2012, Jones won gold as Team USA’s anchor in the 4×100 medley relay, silver in the 4×100 freestyle relay, and individual silver in the 50m freestyle. In total, Cullen accounts for 13 U.S. medals (seven gold) at major international competitions.
Jones married his wife, Rupi, in 2007, and she gave birth to their son, Ayvn, in 2019.
Guest Contact Info:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cullenjones41/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cullenjones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CullenJones41/
Website: https://goldfishswimschool.com/