William Alligood
Senior swimmer Cullen Jones’ list of accomplishments during the 2005-2006 season reads like a wish list for collegiate swimmers — a list of impossible dreams. Jones himself admits to having to pinch himself every now and then as a reminder that everything transpiring is indeed real.
“I’m just in awe of everything that has happened over the past year,” Jones said.
Jones wasn’t dreaming when he took home the World University Games gold medal this past summer. He wasn’t dreaming when he was named the ACC’s Swimmer of the Year after setting a conference record in the 50-yard freestyle.
And he wasn’t dreaming earlier this month when he swam a 21.31 at the World Swimming Championships in Shanghai, China — two-tenths of a second behind the world record for the 50-meter freestyle.
Jones said he entered this season with a renewed sense of focus. With his determination at an all-time high, Jones was able to dominate the sport he loves.
He went undefeated during his senior season and took home the NCAA Championship in the 50-yard free style. Jones, who was also captain of the men’s swimming team this year, and helped lead N.C. State to a 21st-place finish in the NCAAs — its best finish since 1979.
But Jones wasn’t always the record-breaking swimmer he is today. When the Newark, N.J., native arrived in Raleigh, he was rail-thin and extremely “raw” according to Coach Brooks Teal.
After years of intense practice routines and weight training, Jones became one of the top swimmers in the country. He captured three ACC championships and anchored an ACC record-setting relay team prior to his senior season.
“If someone would have told me I was going to be this successful when I first got [to State], I would have laughed right in their face,” Jones said.
Although Jones will be back in Raleigh next year to finish up school, he won’t be allowed to compete for the Pack. His expired eligibility will force Jones into a mentor/motivator role.
Although his collegiate career is over, Jones’ swimming days are far from finished. He’s currently receiving interest from some of the biggest sponsors in the world — Speedo, TYR and Nike. After he finds an agent, Jones will make his hobby of swimming into a profession. “I’m going to be getting paid to do what I love,” Jones said. “That’s all you could ever ask for.”
While Jones is training for an assortment of international meets taking place within the next year, his sights are distantly set on the biggest prize of them all — the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
“I’ve had coaches from across the country come up and say to me,’You can really do it. You can win the gold medal at the Olympics,'” Jones said. “That’s what I’m focusing on doing in the long-term.”