Crooks brings home gold from Australia
(CNS): Jordan Crooks (20) became the men’s 50 Meter Freestyle World Champion at the weekend when the young Caymanian swimmer won the gold medal in 20.46 seconds in Melbourne, Australia. He also posted his fastest time of 20.31 in the preliminaries. “It feels great,” Crooks told online magazine SwimSwam after winning the race and entering the history books. “I am really grateful for my God, my coaches, my family and everyone who has helped me along this journey. It means a lot to see this come to light. This is awesome.”
Crooks, who is currently studying at Tennessee University, is expected home Monday lunchtime and the government is planning a special reception for him in Heroes Square, George Town, Wednesday evening. Sports Minister Bernie Bush extended congratulations to Crooks for his historic gold medal performance, which he said was “nothing short of phenomenal”.
Bush said his swimming over the past week had been an early Christmas present to all Caymanians. “Now officially the fastest man at this distance, this young Caymanian’s stellar achievement on the world stage has come from hard work and dedication over many years,” the minister said.
“We watched Jordan lead for the first 75 meters of Thursday’s Men’s 100 Meter Freestyle ahead of the gold medalist and current world champion, only missing out on a place on the podium by hundreds of a second – less than a blink of an eye. On Friday, Jordan qualified for semi-finals and finals in his 50 Meter Freestyle heat. Those events had us all holding our breath as we watched him continue to make his mark. We are with you, Jordan, and wishing you continued success on the road to the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
His younger sister, Jillian Crooks, also made her mark at the competition by setting new Cayman Islands Aquatic Swimming Association (CIASA) records in the 50 Meter Women’s Butterfly (26.40) and the 100 Meter Freestyle (54.20).
“The Olympian is truly a phenom in her own right, once more proving that these swimming siblings are a formidable duo. Much credit must also to their parents on their unending dedication to their success,” Bush said.
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Category: Local News, Sports
More solid evidence that there is no need for a 50m pool.
I might be mistaken but I thought there was suppose to be an Olympic size pool on the Clifton Hunter High School complex as well as a commercial outfitted kitchen to encourage more persons to qualify in swimming as well as chefs. Perhaps this is an opportunity for this government to really do something that would benefit the Cayman Islanders.
You are mistaken.
If you want him to compete at the olympics & the other World Championships, which will be on your tv, you need to train in a 50m pool.
Which is why they will go away to university’s which have them, regardless of whether or not there is one here.
I don’t need to train anywhere in order for him to compete.
Well done young man. Gold for Cayman!!!!
Congrats. Great job.
Absolutely fantastic!! Congratulations!
Who put up the angry face vote?
A down voter: Maybe a very sad person not capable of saying “well done” to someone (who I don’t know ) who has just achieved something quite remarkable. We’re talking about best in the WORLD!
I wonder what the From the Couch Hater has ever achieved??
I don’t know you young Mr Crooks, but thank you for making our country proud.
Your hard work, your university, coupled with your support network here, will take onto even better things – I have no doubt. Go forward!!
I suspect it was the same grinch who stole Christmas! Congratulations JC- we are so proud of you,
I guess it was the grinch who stole Christmas!
Maybe the next world record holder??
He did a great job! Please note however that the Olympics are in a 50m pool. This amazing achievement was in the short course World Championships (25 m pool). Lots of on island practice growing up with that size pool. Glad he’s in university with a 50m pool.
Could gov use some of their surplus to finally build a 50m pool?
Haven’t each of the other National ‘Target’ sports had new facilities (& how many times has the Track been resurfaced? Plus stadium of course)?? The Lions Club built the current (ancient + inadequate) 25m pool. Surrounded by water, not like everyone in Cayman can swim. When is it Swimmings turn??
The depth of interest and support isn’t there. One step before the other.
Well done Jordan. We are very proud of your accomplishment.
Congratulations!