Jerry Windle was a single gay man in the 1990’s. He didn’t think he could be a dad until he read a magazine story about a man who adopted a child from Cambodia. There was no mention of a mother.

Jerry called the number of an adoption service listed in the article. He asked if a single person like him could adopt a child, and they said yes.

A few months later, Jerry found himself in Phnom Penh, Cambodia holding an almost 2-year-old boy in his arms. The toddler named Jordan had scabies and intestinal parasites. He was also malnourished and suffered from severe infections.

Jerry adopted the kid and nursed him back to health.

Jordan Windle was only a year old when he was placed in an orphanage after his birth parents died. This year, he represented the United States on the U.S. Olympic Diving Team after placing second at the Olympic trials.

Windle, now 22, says he usually hears Jerry in the audience during competitions. But Jerry wasn’t able to come to Tokyo due to COVID restrictions on spectators.

“I wish he was there, but that doesn’t really change what I’m going there to do: To have fun, show off a little bit, and put on a show for everyone. That’s going to be my intention and I’m hopefully going to make him proud,” Jordan said.

Jordan was 7 when his journey to the Olympics started.

A man named Tim O’Brien told Jerry that Windle reminded him of the legendary diver, Greg Louganis.

O’Brien said that he saw something in Jordan that was ” kind of physiological but also inexplicable.” When Jordan wanted to take diving lessons, his dad supported him.

Jordan started diving at 7, and at 9, won his first national junior national championship. An amazing feat for someone relatively new to the sport of diving.

Jordan grew up in America but will never forget his roots. He had Cambodia in his heart when he competed in the Olympics. The Cambodian flag is tattooed on his arm so that people can see it when he dives.

Jerry wasn’t there to witness Jordan’s Olympics dives, but they had a California watch party. Their family and friends in Florida hosted one as well.

“It’s disappointing but at the same time this is Jordan’s journey and this is the pinnacle of it, and I want him to enjoy this experience as best he can … That’s what I’ve always wanted for him,” Jerry said.

Jordan had his father in his mind when he went to 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.

Jerry is his hero and inspiration for everything.

“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.”

And it’s only going to get better for Jerry and Jordan. This is real teamwork.

Watch the video below for more on Jerry and Jordan!

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Source: My Positive Outlooks