Imagine diving into the deep end at the age of 17, emerging not just for air but as a rising star in the world of swimming. That’s exactly what Jordan Cooks did. Now, at 22, this Texan sensation has captivated audiences globally with his remarkable talent and determination. His journey, which began with a splash at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, has led him to the grand stage of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

For Jordan, swimming isn’t merely a sport; it’s a way of life. As he prepares to compete against the best in the world, let’s dive deeper into the story of this extraordinary athlete and his incredible journey to the Olympics.

Meet Jordan Crooks’s parents and fellow swimming sibling Jillian

Record-breaking swimming prodigies Jordan and Jillian Crooks hail from the stunning Cayman Islands, born to parents Jimmy and Faith. Their idyllic childhood was spent surrounded by the sea, nurturing a deep love for water. Alongside their passion for swimming, they enjoyed free diving, fishing, various water sports, and even basketball.

Jillian Crooks made a splash at just 15, competing in the 100m freestyle at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and proudly carrying the Cayman Islands flag. She is set to make waves again at the Paris Olympic Games. Both siblings have been diligently refining their skills under the guidance of renowned national coaches Jacky Pellerin, Matt Kredich, and Rich Murphy.

Jordan’s talent shone brightly during his freshman year in 2021, when he became the fastest freestyler over 50 meters in NCAA history. Reflecting on his time training with Jillian in the Cayman Islands, Jordan shared, “I think we are very competitive. I’m always trying not to get beat by her, and she’s always trying to beat me.”

Despite the natural advantage of being the older sibling, Jordan acknowledges Jillian’s relentless pursuit. Jillian admires her brother, saying, “Sometimes I feel like I’m just this close to catching up to him, then he just takes off.”

Their incredible journey and remarkable achievements are nurtured by their dedicated coach, Jacky Pellerin, who tirelessly hones their talent and prepares them to compete on the world’s grandest stage.

Who is Crooks’s national coach, Jacky Pellerin?

Jacky Pellerin, a seasoned coach from Iceland, was appointed as the Cayman Islands Aquatic Sports Association (CIASA) technical director, succeeding Bailey Weathers. He has held this role since 2013, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to the position. Following his appointment, CIASA announced on Facebook, “Jacky is ready to take on the challenge of leading CIASA’s mission.”

In his own Facebook post, Pellerin emphasized his “humanist vision” of coaching, stating, “Throughout my career, I have organized my emotional and cognitive involvement around a common plan, mutual trust and respect, communication, and the enjoyment of working and being together as a team.”

As the Crooks siblings prepare for their upcoming competitions, how do you think their family and coaching support have shaped their remarkable journey? Tell us in the comments below.