It was exciting to see Cullen Jones get the opportunity to go for the gold as part of the US Men's Olympic Swim team. Although he is not the first African American Olympic Swimmer, not the first to receive a Gold Medal, the fact that his participation is a part of the Phelps Phenomenon has permanently etched Jones win in athletic and Olympic History. Ironically the first African American swimmer to go gold was Anthony Ervin, in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney Australia swimming on the relay team with a young (15 year old) Michael Phelps.As I watched Cullen Jones at the Press Conference, I found myself in agreement with him that the stereotype and stigma that Black people can't swim can finally be put to rest. Jones, himself actually became a swimmer after almost drowning as a kid. It's also worth noting that Jones dedicates his time to help make sure that more African Americans learn how to swim.
