Country Day Track Coach Jamie Nieto Shines In Olympics

Editor's Note: The following announcement was made by La Jolla Country Day School's Torrey Times on Aug. 8, 2012.

Jamie Nieto, who served as La Jolla Country Day's assistant track and field coach during the 2012 season, competed in the Olympic Games in London and performed well. Nieto finished sixth in the high jump competition.

Kevin Reaume, who coached track and field with Nieto, said the Olympian took time out from his training at the Olympic Training Center to coach at Country Day.

"He did a great job for us, made the whole team better,'' Reaume said. "We are extremely proud of what he accomplished in London.

The Detroit Free Press caught up with Nieto in London and published the following:

LONDON -- Before Jamie Nieto made his first attempt in the men’s high jump final on Tuesday, he turned around and encouraged the 80,000 fans in Olympic Stadium to begin clapping for him.

They obliged. And Nieto did the same, clearing his first, second and third heights.

He finished one miss away from a bronze medal, an accomplishment that left the 35-year-old veteran of the sport feeling nothing but satisfied.

“I’m a little bit more experienced than everybody else, so I’m really appreciative to be here,” Nieto said. “If I was 21, I’d be pretty upset. But I’m 35, you know. And I know I went out there and gave it my best…

“I’ve had an amazing season this year. I’ve got nothing to complain about. Thanks to God for helping me be here, you know?”