Cullen Jones Earns Spot on U.S. Olympic Swim Team

Back in 2008, Cullen Jones became the first African-American ever to win an Olympic gold medal in swimming, and now he has a chance to add a few more to his collection.

The former N.C. State star earned his spot and solidified his title on Sunday night when he won the men’s 50 freestyle in 21.59 seconds at the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials. Cullen Jones is the fastest man in America– in the swimming pool.

Jones already holds the American record in the 50 at 21.40 seconds, but he broke that record while wearing a high-tech bodysuit. Those were banned from the sport  in 2009.

“I haven’t gone this fast in three years, so I’m really happy,”Jones said in an interview. His finish also made him the second-fastest swimmer in the world this year behind Brazil’s Cesar Cielo Filho, the world-record holder.

Jones also qualified individually for the men’s 100 freestyle and also for the 4×100 relay. He’ll swim in three events in London. In 2008, he only competed in a relay.

“The plan now,” Jones said, “is not to let the U.S. down,” he said.

Jones swam on the winning 400 freestyle relay team in Beijing that set a world record in 2008. That victory earned him major role with USA Swimming’s “Make a Splash” campaign that encourages minorities to learn to swim.

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