Raised By a Single Gay Dad, Boy Who Became an Olympic Champion Shows What Good Parenting Can Lead To

Jerry Windle, a single gay man, always wanted to be a dad for as long as he could remember. He adopted a Cambodian boy, who after going through many challenges now has reached his goal. And today, we have fantastic news for our beloved readers! There is a bonus at the end of the article — make sure to read his heartfelt message.

A man wanted to be a father and did everything possible to reach his dream.

Jerry was having trouble adopting a kid in the US. One day, he happened to read an article in a magazine about children in Cambodia. He contacted the Cambodian authorities without hesitation, and soon after that, he got the news that would change his life. He was about to become a father!

He did everything for his kiddo.

Jerry adopted a boy named Jordan, who had been living at an orphanage since his parents passed away. Jordan had terrible illnesses and scabies and was very malnourished. Jerry brought him back to his Florida home and took charge of his recovery.

Jordan has always wanted an Olympic career.

Jordan’s Olympic goals began when he was 7. He went back to Cambodia at the age of 16 to take part in a diving exhibition intended to motivate young people there. Jordan described the trip as “awesome” and added that he felt at home while he was there.

“I went there (to) put on an exhibition for orphans and school kids that haven’t really had the opportunity to grow, and it was extraordinary,” Jordan said. “Being able to speak to them, through a translator, and share where I came from in my life and how I was able to actually become who I am today because of my dad, was awesome.”

He stays close to his roots.

6 years later, in 2021, Jordan competed for the United States at the Olympics — and in his heart, he was also representing Cambodia. He recently got the Cambodian flag tattooed on his arm so people can see it when he dives.

Jordan never misses an opportunity to thank his dad.

He recalled competing in Tokyo: “I tell everyone, when they ask me why I dive, I dive purely for my dad and how much he loves watching me,” Jordan said. “Without him making all the sacrifices that he has and his love and support the whole time we’ve been together, I really wouldn’t be where I am today. I have him to thank for everything, all my accomplishments. It’s been an amazing journey with him, and we’re still rolling.”

But his success didn’t happen overnight.

Jordan was candid about being criticized for having a gay father “and just being different in general.” He and his dad are doing their best to educate and encourage others to accept people the way they are, embrace themselves, and live their lives to the fullest. Nothing comes easy, but Jordan is living proof that hard work and dedication always pay off.

Now he has many titles.

Windle later became a 6-time junior national solo winner, a 7-time senior national champion, and a 2-time NCAA champion. In 2018, during the Big 12 Championships, he set a record for men’s platform diving.

Bonus

In an Instagram post, Jordan pays a unique tribute to his dad on his birthday. He says: “Happy birthday to this legend. Miss you so much and can’t wait to come home. Thank you for all that you do for those around you. It means the world to everyone. Have a wonderful day, pops. Love you always!”