You don’t have to overcome hardships or have a terrible family life to be an inspiration to others. We can all be inspirations when we decide to do good and help others. Whether our accomplishments are broadcast over the world or not, somebody notes our deeds, whether they ever say anything or not.

Cullen Jones is an athlete that has decided to help others. He was part of the gold-medal winning 4×100m freestyle relay team that won gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. While Michael Phelps may have overshadowed Jones (and every other swimmer during that Olympics), Jones is one of those individuals that has become an inspiration not because he can swim, but because he chooses to serve.

Cullen Jones wasn’t always an excellent swimmer. He nearly drowned when he was five. He has used his status as a world-class swimmer to start the Make a Splash foundation, which teaches African-American children how to swim.

70 percent of African-American children either can’t swim or can only swim very little. I’m not sure why this is, but I do remember that in boot camp, there were quite a few of my African-American shipmates in my boot camp company that had to go to swimming lessons. Perhaps they have very little access to water; maybe they have less money for things like swimming lessons. Whatever the reason, I’m glad that we have one Olympic athlete that is taking time to help others.

In a world where there are so many people who reach a certain level and use their fame and popularity for themselves, it’s nice to see someone take some time out for others.

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