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As Minister for Youth, Sports, Culture & Heritage and on behalf of my Ministry, the Cayman Islands Government, and Caymanians everywhere, I want to extend our warmest congratulations to swimmer Jordan Crooks Men’s 50 Meter Freestyle World Champion.

Watching his historic gold medal performance, earning a time of 20.46 in Melbourne, Australia this morning, was nothing short of phenomenal. In fact Jordan’s swimming over the past week has been an early Christmas present to all Caymanians. Now officially the fastest man at this distance, this young Caymanian’s stellar achievement on the world stage has come from hard work and dedication over many years.

We watched Jordan lead for the first 75 Meters of Thursday’s Men’s 100 Meter Freestyle ahead of the gold medalist and current world champion, only missing out on a place on the podium by hundreds of a second – less than a blink of an eye. On Friday, Jordan qualified for semi-finals and finals in his 50 Meter Freestyle heat. Those events had us all holding our breath as we watched him continue to make his mark. We are with you Jordan and wishing you continued success on the road to the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Applause and congratulations must also go to Jillian Crooks on her outstanding performances at FINA, having set new National/ Cayman Islands Aquatic Swimming Association (CIASA) records in the 50 Meter Women’s Butterfly (26.40) and the 100 Meter Freestyle (54.20). The Olympian is truly a phenom in her own right, once more proving that these swimming siblings are a formidable duo. Much credit must also to their parents on their unending dedication to their success.

I must also thank CIASA on its continued commitment and support to our swimmers.

(MYSCH)