Jerry Windle never saw himself as a father. He was a single homosexual guy in the 1990s, when everything was different, but a magazine story about a man who adopted a child from Cambodia would alter everything.
Jerry was filled with optimism as he read the father-son narrative.
So he dialed the number indicated for an adoption agency and informed them that he discovered the number in an article. He then inquired as to whether a single person could adopt a child.
Yes, the service said.
A few months later, Jerry was holding an 18-month-old ill kid in an orphanage in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Jordan, the infant, had scabies and intestinal parasites. The impoverished youngster was malnourished and had serious illnesses.
Jerry took in the youngster and nursed him back to health. That formerly ailing child went on to represent his country at the Olympics in Tokyo.
Jordan Windle was barely a year old when his birth parents died, and he was placed in a Cambodian orphanage. He was named to the United States Olympic Diving Team after finishing second in the Olympic trials.
Jordan claims that his father is the loudest person in the audience during his tournaments. Jerry couldn’t go to Tokyo because of COVID limitations, but he still supported his kid.
“I wish he was there, but that doesn’t change what I’m going there to do: have fun, brag a little, and put on a show for everyone.” That will be my objective, and I want to make him proud,” Jordan stated.
Jordan, then 7, impressed a man called Tim O’Brien during summer camp. Jordan, according to O’Brien, reminded him of the renowned diver Greg Louganis. His father coached a swimmer.
Jordan began diving at the age of seven. At the age of nine, he won his first national junior national championship.
Jordan has never forgotten his beginnings. He grew up in the United States, but he kept Cambodia in his heart during the Olympics. He even has a tattoo of the Cambodian flag on his arm.
Jerry hosted a viewing party at home with family and friends to show his complete support for his son.
“It’s frustrating, but this is Jordan’s trip, and this is the apex of it, and I want him to enjoy it as much as he can… That’s something I’ve always wanted for him,” Jerry explained.
Jordan went on to claim that during the tournament, he would think of his father.
“I tell everyone, when they ask me why I dive, I dive purely for my dad and how much he loves watching me,” the student-athlete added.
“I really wouldn’t be where I am today if he hadn’t made all of the sacrifices he has, and without his love and support throughout our entire relationship.” I owe him everything—all of my successes. It’s been an incredible adventure with him, and we’re still going strong.”