The Cayman Islands community jam-packed the Owen Roberts International Airport on Monday (December 19) afternoon, to cheer on sporting hero Jordan Crooks as he arrived home after becoming the country’s first World Champion.
Crooks, who is the Islands’ fastest male swimmer in history, entered the arrival lounge to nearly 100 people cheering him on, with some waving signs that read, “Welcome Home World Champ.”
Emily Kelly, Assistant Director of Sports, Jordan Crooks and Kurt Hyde, Director of Sports. Photos: Cay3media. 
Jordan Crooks and Caymanian bodybuilding champion Robert Thompson Jr. 
CBAC head coach Grant Ferguson shared an emotional moment with his former student. 
Caymanian sporting hero Jordan Crooks wears his gold medal and holds his country flag. Photos: Cay3media 
Members of parliament, including Premier Hon. Wayne Panton greeted Crooks along with many others. Many people in the crowd were emotional, like Crooks’ hometown coach Grant Ferguson, who embraced his former student with tears in his eyes.
The reception follows Crooks FINA 2022 World Swimming Championships 50 metre free performance, where he captured gold to become the first Caymanian World Championship medalist, regardless of sport.
Jordan’s sister Jillian Crooks, who also performance exceptionally well during the short course championships, will be returning home tomorrow.
Both sibling will be honoured this Wednesday (December 21) from 5:30 pm to 7.30 pm in Heroes Square, where the public is invited.
Cay 3 Sports 