Oct. 22, 2008

Philadelphia, PA – The First Annual Cullen Jones Sprint Meet was held at Kirk Pool on Saturday, October 18 on the campus of La Salle University. The purpose of the event, which made its first stop in Philadelphia, is to acknowledge and take action on diversity in swimming.

A 2008 Olympic gold medalist, Cullen Jones is currently a world record holder (4x100 FR) and was tagged as the 2006 Fastest Swimmer in the World in the 50-meter freestyle. Also on hand was Havertown native Brendan Hansen. Hansen, who won an Olympic gold medal in the 4x100 Medley Relay in Beijing, was a triple gold medalist at the 2005 World Championships and the 2006 Pan Pacifics.

Cullen has teamed up with head coach Jim Ellis for the event. Ellis is the founder of PDR Swimming which is known nationwide as one of the premiere swim teams.

Over 300 swimmers were on hand who took part in the event.