Over the holiday weekend, Cullen Jones secured a spot on the U.S. Olympic swim team. Jones qualified to compete in Beijing as a member of the 4x100-meter freestyle relay team—"giving him a chance to become the first African-American swimmer to win a gold medal".
The Bronx-born swimming phenom missed his chance to win a second berth on the U.S. Olympic team when he finished third in the 50-meter freestyle. Jones swam in 21.81 seconds and the loss was a blow for the top-ranked swimmer, who was ranked first in the world in the 50m as late as last year.
"The trip to China will end a journey through water that began 16 years ago in inner-city pools, swimming on a team of minorities who, some people were certain, would drown before any of them ever reached the Olympic Games," said Jones.
historic! is he the first black on the U.S. swim team?
ReplyDeletego black dude!
ReplyDeleteNot the first. Rick White was first.
ReplyDelete"I BE STROKE'IN"
ReplyDeleteClarence Carter
Actually, Rick White was on the Olympic Diving Team. Not swimming.
ReplyDelete