As a Siouxland native gets set to represent the U.S. Olympic team as a Pole Vaulter in London, folks in his hometown are reflecting on the journey that got him to the heights he’s reached today.
For the first time ever, Norfolk, Nebraska can lay claim to an Olympic athlete, as 1999 Norfolk High graduate Jeremy Scott has qualified to represent the United States on its Track and Field team.
Injuries derailed Scott’s first two attempts to make the team in 2004 and 2008, but this past month in Eugene, Oregon, the third time was the charm.
Jeremy’s father, Henry, says it’s still hasn’t quite sunk in that his son is an Olympian.
“I guess I just cannot imagine in my own heart, when I first watched him in high school doing his first jumps, that he would ever have gotten to this point,” said Henry Scott.
Scott’s road to London began in Norfolk, where after a state title, he went on to win multiple championships at the division three college level, before finishing up college at the University of Arkansas.
Jeremy calls Arkansas his home now, but Henry says that doesn’t mean the people of Norfolk have forgotten him.
“Store owners, people that we meet in stores, people we meet on the street; everybody is always asking how Jeremy’s doing,” said Scott.
Jeremy Scott has said his goal in London is to win a medal, and as the second ranked vaulter in America, he may just do that.
Henry says he doesn’t quite know what to expect in London, saying he’s going to take the advice of the original Olympians.
“I don’t know what to expect. We’ll just do as they do in Rome, I guess.”
Jeremy Scott’s preliminary vaults in London will take place August 8th at 4 a.m. local time.
USD track coach Derek Miles is also on the USA Pole Vault team.
by: Kristie Vermulm
from: http://www.ktiv.com/story/19127148/norfolk-native-ready-to-pole-vault-to-gold-in-london-olympics
