MEDAL MONDAY! Today we honor one of the most decorated Vols of all time Jordan Crooks, who won a combined 4 National Titles, 8 NCAA medals and 27 SEC medals throughout his time at Tennessee. In 2025, he brought home 5 NCAA and 6 SEC medals during the championship season.

MEDAL MONDAY!

Today we honor one of the most decorated Vols of all time Jordan Crooks, who won a combined 4 National Titles, 8 NCAA medals and 27 SEC medals throughout his time at Tennessee. In 2025, he brought home 5 NCAA and 6 SEC medals during the championship season.⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️

MEDAL MONDAY: Jordan Crooks’ Historic 2025 Season

 

In the realm of collegiate swimming, few names resonate as profoundly as Jordan Crooks. The Cayman Islands native and University of Tennessee standout has etched his name into the annals of swimming history with a series of unprecedented achievements during the 2025 season. From dominating the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to setting NCAA records, Crooks’ journey is a testament to dedication, talent, and an unyielding pursuit of excellence.

 

 

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Early Beginnings and Rise to Prominence

 

Jordan Crooks’ ascent in the swimming world began long before his record-breaking performances in 2025. Hailing from George Town, Cayman Islands, Crooks showcased prodigious talent from a young age. His commitment to the sport and relentless training regimen paved the way for his recruitment to the University of Tennessee, where he quickly became a cornerstone of the Volunteers’ swimming program.

 

 

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Dominance in the SEC Championships

 

The 2025 SEC Swimming and Diving Championships served as a platform for Crooks to display his prowess. He made history by becoming the first swimmer in SEC history to win four consecutive titles in the 50-yard freestyle, clocking an impressive 17.85 seconds and breaking his own meet record from 2023. This achievement placed him ahead of swimming legends, including Caeleb Dressel, in terms of sub-18-second swims in the event.

 

Crooks’ contributions were pivotal in Tennessee’s relay successes. He led the Volunteers to a new NCAA record in the 200-yard freestyle relay, with the team posting a time of 1:12.80, surpassing the previous record held by Florida. Additionally, in the 400-yard freestyle relay, Crooks anchored the team with a historic split of 39.52 seconds—the fastest relay split ever recorded—propelling Tennessee to another NCAA record with a total time of 2:42.41.

 

 

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Triumphs at the NCAA Championships

 

Building on his SEC successes, Crooks continued to dominate at the NCAA Championships. He clinched his second national title in the 50-yard freestyle, reinforcing his status as one of the premier sprinters in collegiate swimming. His performances in relay events were equally remarkable. Crooks led off the 200-yard freestyle relay with a personal-best 17.82 seconds, contributing to the team’s gold medal finish. In the 400-yard freestyle relay, he anchored with an unprecedented 39.36-second split, breaking his own record and helping Tennessee set a new NCAA record of 2:42.30.

 

 

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International Accolades and Olympic Feats

 

Crooks’ talents extended beyond collegiate competitions. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, he made history by becoming the second athlete from the Cayman Islands to reach an Olympic final, finishing fourth in the 50-meter freestyle. His performance included a personal-best time of 21.51 seconds in the heats and a 21.54-second swim in the semifinals, where he notably outpaced American swimmer Caeleb Dressel.

 

In December 2024, Crooks further cemented his international reputation by breaking the world record in the 50-meter freestyle (short course) twice in one day during the Short Course World Championships in Budapest. He first set a new record with a time of 20.08 seconds in the preliminaries and then shattered it with a 19.90-second swim in the semifinals, becoming the first person to break the 20-second barrier in the event.

 

 

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Legacy and Impact

 

Jordan Crooks’ 2025 season is a narrative of relentless ambition and groundbreaking achievements. His contributions have not only elevated the University of Tennessee’s swimming program but have also inspired a generation of swimmers from the Cayman Islands and beyond. As he transitions from collegiate competitions to further international endeavors, Crooks leaves behind a legacy defined by records, medals, and an indomitable spirit that redefined the possibilities in the pool.

 

 

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*Note: This article is a comprehensive overview of Jordan Crooks’ 2025 season, highlighting his significant achievements and contributions to the sport of swimming.*