Tokyo Olympics: how US diver Jordan Windle went from a Cambodian orphanage to the Games
- Windle, 22, credits his adoptive father with helping him achieve his Olympic dream. He and Jerry, who is gay, co-wrote a book on the challenges they faced
- American Olympic legend and LGBTI activist Greg Louganis describes Windle as ‘determined and dedicated’
It was at a sushi restaurantin Ford Lauderdale, Florida, recalled Louganis, now 61. Doodling on a notepad, a young Windle asked: “Mr Louganis, what do you do when the other divers talk smack about you?”
Recounting the episode to This Week in Asia, Louganis, an LGBTI activist and holder of five Olympic medals, replied: “I take it as a compliment, because if they are talking smack about me, they must see me as a threat. I don’t see myself as much of a threat, but if they feel they have to do that, I must be pretty good.”
Windle, a student at the University of Texas, Austin, will represent the US for the first time on Friday in the 10-metre platform event. If he makes it through, he will stand a chance at the semi-finals and finals on Saturday.
It will be the culmination of a long-time dream, years of hard work, and steadfast support from his father, Jerry, who is gay and adopted Windle when he was an 18-month old orphan.
Growing up was not always easy, Windle said in a YouTube interview published by his university’s sports team three years ago. He is now an anti-bullying advocate.
“Having a gay father and him being a different colour, I have been asked tons of questions and picked on a little bit. It was tough trying to understand why I don’t look the same as my dad,” Windle said.
