Book celebrates Cullen Jones’ life in and out of the pool

While former NC State swimmer Cullen Jones (2006, English) is preparing for the Olympics in London, a new children’s book tells just how far he’s come. Speed to Glory: The Cullen Jones Story tells how Jones nearly drowned in a pool when he was five years old, prompting his mother to enroll him in swimming classes.

Jones went on to compete at the highest levels of swimming. At NC State he won an NCAA championship in the 50-yard freestyle. Later he was part of the dramatic 4×100 relay with Michael Phelps, Jason Lezak and Garrett Weber-Gale that won the gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Jones serves as a role model, encouraging countless kids to take up swimming. As one of the few African-Americans competing at the highest levels of swimming, Jones has been an inspiration to African-American children to get in the pool.

The book focuses on the hard work Jones put in to succeed in swimming, as well as the importance of faith in his athletic pursuits. Read more about Cullen Jones and the new book on the Red and White for Life blog.