Olympic Swimmer Cullen Jones on Pursuing Rio 2016 and a Career in Fashion
After nearly drowning at age five, Cullen Jones enrolled in swimming lessons as a safety precaution. Years later, he's one of the best swimmers in the world and a four-time Olympic champion. Cullen knows the importance of giving back, and he's stepped up as the spokesperson for the USA Swimming Foundation's "Make a Splash" initiative, which promotes water safety education programs. Post-London, he's using his newfound free time on dry land to cultivate his interest in fashion. How do you follow the excitement of winning three medals at the Olympics? By sitting front row at New York Fashion Week.
To get involved with swimming at any level, visit SwimToday.org.
NBC/NBCU Photo Bank1/6The 28-year-old Olympic gold medalist talks about his "Make a Splash" campaign and plans to design a denim line.
Photo: Nike2/6How does it feel to be home?
"It feels amazing! I was ready to come back. I'm really happy with my performance. As the athlete looking in, I could have done better. But personally looking back at what happened, I feel very happy with it."
What was the most impactful moment of the Olympics?
"There's nothing that can prepare you for being an individual swimmer. I was on the relay team in 2008, but walking out at the Olympics by yourself is a little more intimidating. I definitely wasn't ready for it until it happened. There's a lot more pressure, but I enjoyed every minute."
Photo courtesy of the USA Swimming Foundation's "Make a Splash" initiative3/6Is there anything that you do to fight nerves?
"I listen to music—that gets me into my zone. I always wear a hoodie so I can be in my own world. I'm a big Jay-Z fan—I also like Drake and Lil Wayne. When I'm about to race, their music gets me pumped up into that mentality that I can't be beaten. I need that kind of swagger about it."
What other Olympic events did you catch?
"I was sick on the night that I had tickets to see Usain Bolt. It killed me, but I was running a high temperature and I couldn't get out of bed. I went the next day and saw the ceremony at which he got the medal. It was amazing. The stadium lit up for him."
Photo: Getty Images4/6What are your plans moving forward? We read that we're interested in pursuing a career in fashion.
"I am! I'm actually coming back for Fashion Week. I want to start my own denim line at some point and grow from that to become a successful designer."
Are you planning on trying for Rio 2016?
"Yes, I am pretty focused in that effort. Some of my best swims are still ahead of me. I'm putting it out there—I want to go!"
Photo courtesy of the USA Swimming Foundation's "Make a Splash" initiative5/6Can you tell us about your involvement with the "Make a Splash" campaign?
"It’s an initiative that I started with in 2008 right after I won a gold medal. I almost drowned as a child and, sixteen years later, I became an Olympic gold medalist. The USA Swimming Foundation approached me and told me about the drowning rates, and I thought, ’it can’t be this bad.’ Thinking about all those people who made fun of me when I learned how to swim, I could relate to it. It’s a big problem in the U.S., and especially in the African American community. I’ve been with "Make a Splash" for the past four years and we’ve reached over one million kids."
Photo: Nike6/6What's the dynamic like on the men's swim team? You guys seem like you have a lot of fun.
"This being the digital Olympics, we were able to show more of our personalities. We do have more sides to us than just diving into a pool and swimming fast. I like that people are paying attention—they can see that we're not robots. We're very focused when we need to be and want to represent the country in the best light, but we have a good time!"
