Jamie Nieto, an Elite Athlete Grantee Biography

JAMIE NIETO

HOMETOWN: SEATTLE, WA
CURRENT RESIDENCE: CHULA VISTA, CA
SCHOOL: EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
EVENT: HIGH JUMP

Career Highlights: 2008 Olympic Trials runner-up; 2004 Olympic Trials champion; 4th at 2004 Olympic Games; 2007 USA Outdoor runner-up; 2004 USA Indoor champion; 2003 USA Outdoor champion; 2001 USA Indoor runner-up; 3-time NCAA All-American; 2003 Pan Am Games silver medalist

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In Jamie's words:

"Working with the Foundation and receiving the Foundation Grant has been so beneficial to the forward movement of my career as a high jumper. It has allowed me to travel to a few more meets that I would not otherwise go to, and helps take some of the financial burden off my back as an athlete. I have made a few friends, such as Tom Jackovic (Executive Director)and Dan McClory (EMU Alumni & Foundation Director) who I keep in contact with often. Also, I have signed up for the mentor program and have already met some influential people in the entertainment business, such as Frank Marshall (Foundation Director) who can really help me as an actor. I feel fortunate and blessed to be a part of this program and I pray that it continues to help athletes in the future."

I first began high-jumping back in 1993, when I attended Valley High School. At the time (when I was 16 years old a junior), I discovered that I had a talent and I had a lot of fun high jumping. The traveling was the best part, but I figured that if I keep working hard, I should be able to jump 7’0 (2.13) and hopefully get a full scholarship to a University of my choice. After much discussion with my now mentor, then coach (Joe Radan), we made a decision to go to Eastern Michigan due to them having a good business college. After breaking several school records and becoming an All American, I decided to set my sites on the Olympics. One of the highlights of my career was making the Olympic Team in 2004 and winning the Olympic Trials in my home-town of Sacramento. I have had an awesome experience so far and I'm currently still training and going to competitions. I hope to make the 2012 Olympic Team and represent my country one more time on the Olympic stage.

After Track and Field I plan to pursue an acting career. When I have time, I take acting classes and do student films. Some of my other interests are spending time with my mother and hanging out with my sister, nieces and nephew. I also like to play basketball, read, write poetry/screenplays, play video games, and watch movies.

2011 USA INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS, 2ND PLACE (Courtest of EMU Athletics)

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Thanks,

Jamie Nieto, High Jump

CLICK HERE FOR JAMIE'S DETAILED PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.

Please contact Tom Jackovic, Executive Director, USATF Foundation at (412) 398-2484 for additional information about Elite Athlete support programs.

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