Olympian & USATF Foundation elite grant recipient Jamie Nieto, making his way in the movies with support from Frank Marshall and Nicholas Sparks

INDIANAPOLIS - While still competing at a world-class level in the high jump, Jamie Nieto, a USA Track & Field Foundation Elite Athlete Grant recipient, is forging ahead with a new career in the film industry, bolstered by two of the Foundation’s high-profile Directors.

Jamie has consistently ranked in the top 10 of U.S. jumpers for over 10 years, winning the 2004 Olympic Trials and taking 4th place at the Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, with a personal best clearance of 2.34m/7’8”.

Through the USA Track & Field Foundation’s Career Mentoring Program and with the help and guidance of noted film producer Frank Marshall and best-selling author Nicholas Sparks, both USATF Foundation Directors, Jamie has been making great strides in his acting and screenwriting career.

In 2009, he appeared in his first film, Kontrast. Jamie’s latest films, The Encounter and Jerusalem Countdown, are set to premier at the Greater Boston Christian Film Festival on October 14, 2010.

“It’s been great having a mentor like Frank Marshall in my corner,” said Jamie. “Whenever we’ve spoken it was very informative. He set me on the right path in getting my acting career started. Frank has been very helpful and always responds to my emails and questions. I really appreciate his time and support.”

“Nicholas Sparks has been super,” he continued. “Whatever the question about writing, he always has good answers and great insight. Nicholas recommended a few books for me to read about writing screenplays, and I believe they are not only helping me with my writing, but also with my acting. The USATF Foundation has been a great help and support with transitioning to my next career as an actor and writer. I think that it would be a tough road without the great people the Foundation has provided for me.”

To read more about Jamie, please go to http://www.usatffoundation.org/elite/grantee_bio_jamie_nieto.asp.

For information about the Career Mentoring Program, please visit http://www.usatffoundation.org/elite/AthleteCareerMentoringProgram.htm.

The USATF Foundation provides a means to attract and guide funds to new and innovative track and field programs with an emphasis on providing opportunities for youth athletes, emerging elite athletes, distance training centers and anti-doping education. The Foundation depends on donations from its Board of Directors and from generous fans of track & field.

For more information or to contribute to the USA Track & Field Foundation, visit www.usatffoundation.org.