Cayman team among Paris Olympics’ Parade of Nations
(CIOC): On a rainy and overcast evening, the City of Light shone brighter than ever as a spectacular
opening ceremony marked the beginning of the 2024 Summer Olympics. In the middle of the pomp
and circumstance that featured world leaders, sporting legends and some of the biggest
entertainers in the world was the Cayman Islands Olympic Team.
“The opening ceremony here in Paris was absolutely breathtaking,” said Jillian Crooks, who will be
competing in the women’s 100-metre freestyle in her second Olympic appearance. “It was so
beautiful, inspiring and motivational.”
The Parade of Nations took place on the Seine River with boats for each national delegation. It
marked the first time in Olympic history the opening ceremony did not take place in a stadium.
Crooks was joined in the Cayman Islands boat by her brother and fellow swimmer, Jordan Crooks,
as well as track and field athlete Davonte Howell, sailor Charlotte Webster, Chef de Mission
Shakeina Bush and Team Medic Dr Carl Andrew Brown.
“My experience at the opening ceremony was very eye-opening,” Howell said. “I believe that the
Olympics just became very real for me. The experience is starting to really set in. Seeing all the
festivities that Paris has set forward for the opening ceremony is very inspiring.”
Aside from being introduced to an estimated global audience of one billion people during the Parade
of Nations, the Cayman Islands delegation and their boat also grabbed space in pieces written by
international media outlets. The New York Times and The Athletic — a sports journalism platform
owned by the New York Times Co. with more than 3.5 million subscribers — featured the Cayman
Islands in a piece highlighting the best boats of the opening ceremony.
“The entire atmosphere was electric and so unique for an opening ceremony,” said Webster, who
served as flag bearer along with Jordan Crooks. “The breathtaking performances showcased
France’s rich culture and history as a host nation.”
Paris 2024 takes place 26 July – 11 August. Paris is the main host city, with events held at 16 other
cities throughout France and one in Tahiti.
The athletes now turn their attention to their respective competitions.
Jordan and Jillian Crooks are scheduled to be the first Cayman Islands athletes to compete. They
will dive in for the 100-metre Freestyle Heats on Tuesday, 30 July, at Paris La Defense Arena. The
Semifinal rounds for the event will be held later that same day, and the Finals are scheduled for
Wednesday, 31 July.
Jordan Crooks will then compete in the men’s 50-metre Freestyle Heats on Thursday, 1 August. The
Semifinals will be held later that same day, and the Final on Friday, 2 August.
Webster sets sail in the women’s Dinghy event beginning Thursday, 1 August. She’ll compete on the
Mediterranean Sea with the Roucas-Blanc Marina, Marseille, serving as the venue. The women’s
Dinghy even runs from 1-5 August with two races each day. The Final takes place on Tuesday, 6 August.
Howell will step onto the track for the men’s 100-metre dash Preliminary Round on Saturday, 3 August. The First Round takes place later that same day, while the Semi-Final and Final rounds are scheduled for Sunday, 4 August. Track and Field events are held at the Stade de France in Paris.
Schedule of events:
| Men’s 100-meter Freestyle Heats | 30 July |
| Women’s 100-meter Freestyle Heats | 30 July |
| Men’s 100-meter Freestyle Semifinals | 30 July |
| Women’s 100-meter Freestyle Semifinals | 30 July |
| Men’s 100-meter Freestyle Final | 31 July |
| Women’s 100-meter Freestyle Final | 31 July |
| Men’s 50-meter Freestyle Heats | 1 August |
| Men’s 50-meter Freestyle Semifinals | 1 August |
| Women’s Dinghy Races 1 & 2 | 1 August |
| Men’s 50-meter Freestyle Final | 2 August |
| Women’s Dinghy Races 3 & 4 | 2 August |
| Men’s 100 meters Preliminary Round | 3 August |
| Men’s 100-meters Round 1 | 3 August |
| Women’s Dinghy Races 5 & 6 | 3 August |
| Men’s 100 meters Semi-Final | 4 August |
| Men’s 100 meters Final | 4 August |
| Women’s Dinghy Races 7 & 8 | 4 August |
| Women’s Dinghy Races 9 & 10 | 5 August |
| Women’s Dinghy Medal Race | 6 August |
| Closing Ceremony | 11 August |
Submitted by Cayman Islands Olympic Committee Press Attaché Kevin Morales.
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Category: Local News, Sports
Hey CNS, how and why were they allowed to break protocol and use a thatch palm to cover the bottom star of our Coat of Arms on the back of their jackets at an INTERNATIONAL event?
Could you ever imagine seeing the USA flying a flag with an eagle covering their stars?
Simply because most people in Cayman hold no pride or value in proper branding protocols especially when it’s official government / flag use in this case.
It’s not shocking it was allowed to get this far. Much like the well known and loved cayman flag shirt which also technically shouldn’t be allowed as it’s also bastardizing the flag.
This will be called nitpicking or complaining when it’s really just proper use and a want for actual care and protocol to pride 🙂
But who cares i guess…
How do we get the commentators to stop referring to our country as The Caymans? the BBC commentators are particularly bad. Imagine an athlete from The Virgin Islands!
Poor Ganja looking outfit and Crest!!
That could never have been officially approved, as the Law says it should.
pizz poor look.
4 competitors. Who are the other 2 in the photo?
Too bad that NBC was doing a highlight of the U.S. team when our wee Caymanian boat went by during the opening ceremony.
If you didn’t see the two seconds of our athletes, you can see them more clearly in this Youtube video from Sportsmax:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYwoKqZiRJQ
sad we could not provide 4 athletes matching outfits. or jackets that were tailored to fit
I think they look great and they are matching? Or am I not seeing something.
Pants are different shapes & colours
If CIFA is any guide, our athletes probably have to surrender the jackets back!
Brac high school ate up the budget.
LOL
Shouldn’t have been. Not a nation. Shouldn’t have its own Olympic Committee really.
You must lead a very troubled life. I wish you well. If I knew your name, I’d pray for you.
Nearly all the territories send representation. Bermuda won a gold medal at the last Olympics. Why shouldn’t we send our best? Doesn’t cost you anything
No they don’t. Do you need me to include a link to verify your ignorance?
Please do
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Olympic_Association
Go ahead and read the little drop down that says “BOA members and sporting bodies” and get back to us.
Yet you probably reside here amongst us in this great “Non nation” that provides for so many around the world.