Cullen nearly drown when he was five years old which prompted his mother to enroll him in swimming classes.  It didn’t take long before they realized his natural talent as a swimmer.

 

Born in the Bronx, New York City, Cullen grew up in Irvington, New Jersey.  He started his  swimming career with the Metro Express Marlins (West Orange) and later swam with the Jersey Gators Swim Team (Cranford).  After graduating from St. Benedict’s Prep School, he enrolled at North Carolina State University in 2002.  As a member of the Wolfpack, he went on the win the NCAA Championships in the 50 freestyle.  Cullen eventually graduated with a degree in English.

 

At the 2008 US Olympic Trials Jones earned a spot on the US Olympic Team by placing 3rd in the 100 freestyle.  In Beijing, Cullen was a member of the winning 4x100 free relay team.  Four years later he qualified for the 2012 London Olympics.  Here he won another gold medal swimming on the 4x100 medley relay breaking a world record in the process.  He also earned a silver medal in the 50 freestyle and another as a member of the 4x100 freestyle relay.  

 

Throughout his career, Jones has been passionate about bringing more diversity to the sport of  swimming.  He serves as an Ambassador for the USA Swimming Foundation and serves on their Board of Directors.  Jones and his wife Rupi have a son Ayvn.