The arrivals hall at Owen Roberts International Airport this afternoon was filled with people welcoming home Jordan Crooks, who won a gold medal at the FINA World Championships over the weekend.
Chants of “Jordan, Jordan” echoed throughout the airport on Monday, 19 Dec., as government officials, local swimmers, family, friends and members of the public waved their Cayman flags, with some hoping to meet the national superstar.
“It means a lot,” Crooks told the Compass in a brief interview at the airport. “I’m very happy to be back in Cayman. The country has done a lot for me. I appreciate it more than they could possibly know.”
He added, “I’m just glad to be back, like I said, and to spend time with family.”
Crooks won gold in the 50-metre freestyle event at the FINA World Swimming Championships in Melbourne on Saturday, 17 Dec., becoming Cayman’s first world champion in any sport.
Newly appointed assistant director of sports, Emily Kelly, was among the many government officials who were at the airport to greet Crooks.
Beaming with national pride, she told the Compass that she was pleased with the turnout of supporters.
“It was so heartwarming,” Kelly said. “You see that you’re making your country proud, you see it on social media, you get the calls and texts, but to have people show up in the masses, it really makes a difference.
“I hope that Jordan felt the love today and I hope we show the same love and support for Jillian as well.”
The Ministry for Youth, Sports, Culture and Heritage will host a reception to honour both Jordan and Jillian Crooks – who also competed at the championships – on Wednesday, 21 Dec. from 5:30pm to 7.30pm in Heroes Square, George Town.
That event is open to members of the public, with Governor Martyn Roper, Premier Wayne Panton, Deputy Governor Franz Manderson, elected officials and senior government officials also expected to attend.
“It is beyond inspiring and I think I speak on behalf of the whole island, when I say we are overjoyed for Jordan and his historic win; and his sister Jillian, who also represented us,” Kelly said. “We are so proud of them and I think it is really inspiring for the upcoming generation.”
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