Olympians Crooks and Forbes give back to Cayman’s next generation

A main course of inspiration was served up for seven aspiring Cayman athletes, who were recently treated to a private dinner with Olympic track and field athlete Ronald Forbes and swimmer Jordan Crooks.

With the goal of encouraging the next sporting generation, Forbes and Crooks spoke about their journeys to success, which included four Olympic Games between the two prominent Caymanian stars.

“As an Olympic athlete, having round table conversations with up-and-coming, aspiring athletes is an absolutely critical element in their development, often overlooked,” Forbes told the Compass.

“Each athletic experience will differ for various reasons, and I find it to be my duty post career to discuss with younger athletes early what I have learned in my career late.”

Forbes, a Commonwealth Games’ finalist, three-time Olympian and medallist at many regional meets – including gold at the Island Games – noted that after his conversations with the athletes, he believes they will have a greater chance of advancing their careers.

And with these advances, athletes in the “Cayman Islands [will be able] to match and eventually surpass that of dominant world-leading nations,” said Forbes, who mastered the 110-metre hurdles.

Delora Johnson was one of three track and fielders at the dinner. She told the Compass that she was honoured to be among the two Olympians, who gave tips and advice, and shared their experiences.

“It felt like an amazing opportunity to make connections, friends and making a difference in sports in Cayman,” Johnson told the Compass.

“I made sure to take away the advice and tips given by them as an athlete who is preparing for a bright future ahead.

“I made sure to ask questions about college and being a student athlete since I’m currently a year 11 student who is soon going to be transitioning to year 12.”

She said that the dinner, where she noted the conch fritters were delicious, not only offered the perspective of the sporting stars but also enabled her to gain a few new friends from the swimming side.

“I really enjoyed meeting new people and sitting next to the first man to swim under 20 seconds. I felt very honoured,” she added.

Earning that honour was Crooks, who is coming off the highlight of his swimming career – a record-shattering 50-metre free to become the fastest short-course swimmer in the world.

He noted the importance of representing their country to the young athletes during the gathering, organised by former Sports Minister Bernie Bush.

“[I’m] grateful to be able to give back and share with the younger athletes, some of whom I’ve known since they were little kids,” the two-time world champion told the Compass.

“It is encouraging to see the younger generation in Cayman doing big things and not only making a name for themselves and their families, but [for] the islands as well.”