I’m Cullen Jones, a two-time Olympic swimmer and I’m so excited to answer all your questions today!

Hi Reddit! I’m @cullenjones. Interesting fact about me: I learned to swim at the age of 8 after a near drowning incident. Ever since then, swimming has been a huge part of my life. i finished my Collegiate swim career in 2006 and graduated from N.C. State University with a degree in English in 2018 (Go Wolfpack!). I competed and won medals in both the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. I was the first Black swimmer to break a long-course world record. Even after competing, I still raise awareness of the importance of swimming. I had the opportunity to teach my own mother how to swim back in 2018. I am currently an ambassador of the USA Swimming Foundation that supports the Make A Splash Tour presented by Phillips 66. Our goal is to save lives through swim lessons. Our tour kicks off today with our first stop in Philly! This is a cause that is very close to me and I am so excited we are back in person after being virtual for two years. Outside of swimming, believe it or not – I have a passion for fashion, great coffee and tik-tok, find me @cullenjones41, I reside in Charlotte, NC with my beautiful wife, Rupi and our son, Ayvn. Let’s chat!

PROOF: https://i.redd.it/mlvxfgmmriy81.jpg

Comments: 228 • Responses: 7  • Date: 

ninerganghk210 karma

What was it like being a part of the 4x100 freestyle relay at Beijing (aka the greatest relay of all time)?

CullenJones41220 karma

It was the most fun, scariest thing I’ve ever done in my life. With all the drama in the background, the hardest thing was to focus just on the pool. We were for sure the underdogs, but we didn’t care, you put your hand on the wall🇺🇸!

fionasmom9664 karma

If you weren’t a swimmer, what sport would you do?

CullenJones4191 karma

My dad started me out playing basketball, if Swimming didn’t take over, I would either be a basketball player or a water polo player!

jezra60 karma

when was the last time you peed in the pool?

CullenJones41125 karma

Yesterday, just kidding, or am I? 🧐

laffnlemming46 karma

Thank you for teaching swimming to help prevent drowning. It's very important.

What percentage of the US population can't swim? Is that known?

Also, how in the heck does one learn the butterfly stroke? My swimming lessons stalled right there!

Best wishes on your tour!

CullenJones4183 karma

Great questions a little over half 54% of people have little or no swim ability, and about 3,500 people drown a year. Drowning is at an epidemic level in the US, that's why swim lessons and the Make A Splash Initiative is so important.

A lot of the trick to butterfly is the rhythm and the strength of your dolphin kick. The stronger the kick, the easier it is to get your arms out and around. So work heavily on your kick!

CullenJones4126 karma

Hey Everyone, Happy to be here to answer your questions! Ask Away!

LumpyDiscipline184311 karma

Did you ever go through a plateau in your swimming over the course of your career? How can I overcome one?

CullenJones4134 karma

I’ve had many plateaus in my career and they can be extremely frustrating. Whenever I had a plateau, that is when I knew I needed to double down on my efforts to get better. Whether it was working on kick, recovery or etc. I knew I could beat it, I just had to believe and figure out a solution.

fionasmom969 karma

Do you have any pets?

CullenJones4123 karma

I sure do, his name is Vinny, he’s a French bulldog and if you check out my Instagram @CullenJones, I’ll put a picture up for you!