It's official! Former NC State swimmer Cullen Jones will represent the United States in the 2008 Olympics after finishing third in the 100-meter freestyle finals.
Jones posted a time of 48.35, a personal best in th event. As one of the top four swimmers, he earned a spot on the team's 4x100 relay team. He swam a leg (split of 47.96) in the world record breaking 4x100 meter freestyle relay USA set at the 2006 Pan Pacific Championships.
By making the Olympics team, Jones has a chance to become the first African-American swimmer to win a gold medal.
On Friday, he'll look to secure a spot in his second event, the 50-meter freestyle. Jones is considered one of the world's best in the 50-meter freestyle, and it is his top event.
The 50-meter freestyle prelims begin at 11 a.m. CST. Should he advance, Jones would compete in the semifinals later that evening at 7 p.m. CST.
The U.S. Olympic swimming trials are broadcasted on NBC. Morning prelims will be streamed live on NBCOlympics.com starting at 12p ET. Finals will be broadcast nightly on NBC or USA, as well as streamed live on NBCOlympics.com.