Thompson takes on new challenge off the pool

In this 2019 file photo, the CNMI’s Jinju Thompson competes in the 100m freestyle event during the 18th FINA World Swimming Championships in Gwangju, South Korea. (The Reporters’ Academy)

Saipan Swim Club’s Jinju Thompson has started her new journey off the pool after reporting for basic cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Thompson was among the more than 1,100 high school graduates who were accepted to the prestigious academy that kicked off six weeks of rigorous mental and physical training for the Class of 2025 last June 24 at the Holaday Athletic Center in Colorado. The Saipan International School alumna and other trainees were greeted by Academy superintendent Lt. Gen. Richard Clark and command chief Chief Master Sgt. Sarah Sparks. Thompson was also among the few trainees interviewed about their expectations at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“Everything new can be scary,” Thompson was quoted as saying in the US Air Force Academy website. “I’m just proud to represent my island. I want to say ‘thank you’ to my parents and I’m honored to be here.”

At the institution, Thompson hopes to major in political science.

“I decided to apply for the U.S. Air Force Academy because of the great opportunities it presents. It is a world-class education combined with athletics and the promotion of leadership. I also wanted to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps. He was a flight surgeon in the United States Air Force,” said Thompson, who represented the CNMI in various regional and international swimming competitions.

The 19-year-old said she will continue to swim in the Academy, but not competitively. She also credited the sport and her coaches for getting her ready for a new journey outside the pool.

“Being an athlete in the CNMI influenced my decision to attend the U.S. Air Force Academy. Growing up, my swim team was like my second family. As I searched for potential schools, I knew that I wanted a school based on the same dynamics of camaraderie. I learned that one of the most valuable things in life is teamwork. The strongest takeaway for me from swimming was learning how we grow by helping others grow the foundation of leadership. My time representing the CNMI around the world was an incredible honor that changed my life and opened up opportunities,” Thompson said.

“I would like to thank coach Jacoby Winkfield for being the backbone of my swimming career. He taught me the most important lessons that cannot just be learned in school. It was with his discipline and dedication that I was able to accomplish most of my greatest achievements. I would also like to thank coach Richard Sikkel who became my swim coach in my junior and senior year of high school. He is one of the most committed coaches I have met. Additionally, thank you to [Northern Marianas Swimming Federation] for helping me throughout my time representing the CNMI,” she added.

Wish for swimming community
Although she is staying away from competitive swimming, Thompson wishes that swimmers who are still on Saipan will remain committed to the sport and that they will get to train in a “real” pool this time.

“The Marpi pool has been closed for a few years now and getting the pool back for the next generation of swimmers would be great. From personal experience, I know how devastating it was when the pool closed because it was another home to us, my swim family,” said Thompson, who swam for SSC for 13 years.

The Olympic-size pool closed last Oct. 1, 2018 after the lease agreement between the CNMI government and Kan Pacific Saipan Ltd, the operator of the Marpi facility, ended. Discussions have been made to reopen the 50-meter pool, while the approved $21.2-million grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration for the rebuilding of the Oleai Sports Complex includes the construction of a swimming pool with associated facilities. In the meantime, swimmers are training in open water and private pools.

“Coaches, athletes, and parents are doing a great job at making the most of the current situation. Swimmers in the CNMI are truly outstanding. They epitomize what real perseverance is. They are working hard despite the lack of resources and they deserve to have the pool back,” Thompson said.

Meanwhile, the veteran swimmer said as she begins her 47-month Air Force Academy journey, she will take on the challenge as if it is another swim competition.

“I am excited to start this new journey in my life. I am also a little nervous. But, just like getting prepared for a swim meet, I am going to need to channel the nerves into a positive energy. I can’t wait for the start of a new chapter. I am humbled to be given a chance to serve.”