NJ Olympians: Swimmer Cullen Jones

Initially born in The Bronx, Cullen Jones moved to Irvington, NJ while he was in elementary school.

He decided to learn how to swim after nearly drowning while at Dorney Park when at the age of 5 and has been swimming ever since.

In college, Jones represented North Carolina State University until 2006, when he turned pro. After making the Olympic team in 2008, Jones won a gold medal in the 4x100-meter relay, in which the American’s came from behind to win and to set a new world record as well. In 2009, Jones set an American record for the 50-meter freestyle at the U.S. National Championships.

Jones will compete in three events during his second trip to the Olympics; the 50-meter freestyle, the 100-meter freestyle and the 4x100-meter freestyle relay.

OLYMPIC UPDATE: Jones competed in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay and won the silver with teammates Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte and Nathan Adrian. In the 50-meter freestyle event, Jones finished second with the time of 21.54 seconds. Jones leaves the 2012 games with two silver medals.