Jamie Nieto: "Making the jump into stardom"

If you were like me and millions of other Americans who were glued to their television sets during the 2004 Olympic Games you may have gotten a glimpse of Jamie Nieto as he competed in the high jump. Nieto, a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and one of only three African American high jumpers in the Olympic finals, placed 4th with a jump of 7'8".

Nieto developed his interest in the sport when he was sixteen and a high school friend encouraged him to give the high jump a try. Though some family and friends tried to persuade him to use his degree to get a job, Nieto was focused on his dreams. "Being an Olympian was a dream and I wasn't going to let anyone deter me from that. I cannot let others live my life and I can't live my life for others. I have to live my life for me. I don't want to look back years from now and be disappointed because I didn't follow my dreams."

Nieto may not have time to look back. He trains three to four hours a day and travels frequently. His upcoming schedule will require him to travel to places such as Kansas, Portland, Hawaii, Michigan, San Diego, Europe and Boston. Though he enjoys the opportunity to travel, Nieto admits there are personal sacrifices. "So much of my time is spent training and traveling which doesn't allow me much time to hang with friends." However, Nieto looks ahead with enthusiasm, "I plan to participate in the 2008 Olympic Games, but for now I'm focusing on the 2005 World Games which will be held in Finland."

Nieto, who turned 28 in November (2004), has overcome many professional and personal obstacles, but he boldly confesses his personal relationship with God has given him the inner strength to believe in himself and achieve his goals. "Things happen to distract you, but I am able to keep my mind on God. I have learned to put more faith in Him instead of myself. I'm not going to let the devil keep me from what God has for me."

Nieto is not only an Olympian. He is a mature, spiritually grounded, pleasant and caring young man. His desire to give back to the community is evident in his work with kids. "I love to give back to the community and I love to work with kids." Nieto speaks at many community service clinics and works with organizations that help young men and their fathers strengthen their relationships and relate to each other. "I love being around kids and I love when they ask me funny questions like, 'Can you jump over me?'

Nieto is definitely making his mark in the athletic arena and quickly building fans. To those young men and women who are hopeful to someday reach the Olympics, Nieto offers this advice. "Stick with it. Stay optimistic. Believe in yourself and don't let anyone discourage you."

Read more about Jamie. Visit his website at www.jamienieto.com

[back to top]