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(CNS): Cayman Islands swimming sensation Jordan Crooks finished within 0.4 seconds of champion Cameron McEvoy of Australia and 0.08 seconds behind bronze medalist Florent Manadou of France in the men’s 50-meter freestyle final. In a race where the eight finalists’ times were separated by just seconds, Crooks was on par with some of the fastest swimmers in the world.
The final results at the Paris La Défense Stadium were as follows:
- Cameron McEvoy, Australia, 21.25
- Benjamin Proud (UK) 21:30
- Florent Manaudou, France, 21.56
- Josh Liendeau, Canada, 21.58
- Christian Gekolomeev (Greece) 21.59
- Caeleb Dressel, United States, 21.61
- Leonardo Deplano, Italy, 21.62
- Jordan Crooks (Cayman Islands) 21.64
“It wasn’t the tournament I wanted, but it was OK,” he said afterwards. “I was able to get to the final and play against some of the best players in the world. So, I just take it as a learning experience and move on.”
Crokes may sound disappointed, but back home people have been flooding in with excited messages supporting his remarkable achievement.
The Cayman Islands government said on social media: “We are so proud of Jordan Crooks who is giving it his all in the men’s 50m freestyle at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Jordan, your dedication, hard work and determination are truly inspiring. You have represented the Cayman Islands with honours and we are so proud of your incredible journey. Thank you for inspiring us all and showing the world what Caymanians are all about!”
Crooks swam the second-fastest time in the semifinal yesterday and started in lane six in the final. He was only a tenth of a second slower than his semifinal time, but most of the other swimmers swam the fastest times of the Games in the final.
“It’s about the same as my time yesterday. It’s a little slower, but it motivates me to try to run faster.”
“Next time,” he said.
It seems that every time Crooks steps onto the field at these Olympics, he breaks a record or makes Cayman Islands swimming history. He is the first Cayman Islands swimmer ever to qualify for an Olympic final, breaking his own Cayman Islands record by swimming 21.51 seconds in the preliminaries.
He also joins Brett Fraser as the only two Cayman Islands swimmers to advance to the semifinals in multiple events at the Olympics and becomes the third Cayman Islands swimmer to qualify for the semifinals.
“I’m definitely always striving for higher goals,” Crooks said. “I’ve never had any specific expectations for a medal. If I can, I can. If not, I’m going to do everything I can to get it, and I know the last 48 hours have been the best I’ve ever swum.”
Speaking of the support from his hometown, Crooks said: “I’ve had a lot of support from friends, family and former coaches. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me. It means a lot to me. I appreciate it.”
Crooks’ information and quotes were provided by CIOC Press Specialist Kevin Morales.
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