#51. Quinntessential Questions with Jamie Nieto: Olympic High Jumper Rises Again
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Two-time Olympian and four-time U.S. Champion Jamie Nieto reveals his powerful journey from Olympic high-jump hero to surviving a life-changing spinal-cord injury that left him paralysed and the extraordinary comeback that defied every odd.
In this deeply personal episode, hosted by Paul Quinn on The Quinntessential Questions Podcast, Jamie opens up about learning to walk again and marrying his wife Shevon Stoddart, a two-time Olympian in the 400-metre hurdles whose America’s Got Talent performance inspired millions.
Beyond the track, Jamie shares his creative rebirth as an actor, writer, and producer, appearing in Power: Raising Kanan and Netflix’s Away, and creating the acclaimed talk show Cut To It. This is a story of faith, discipline, and transformation that will resonate with sports fans, athletes, film lovers, and anyone seeking true inspiration.
Guest Bio
Jamie Nieto was born in Seattle, Washington and was raised as an only child in a single parent home in Sacramento, California. He is a 2 x Olympian, actor, writer and producer.
Minutes
(00:00) Intro — Paul Quinn x Jamie Nieto
(02:32) Growing Up in a Single-Parent Household
(04:24) Trying Other Sports Before High Jump
(07:58) Earning a Scholarship at Eastern Michigan
(11:47) Mindset, Training & Early Discipline
(16:10) Mondo Duplantis and the Evolution of Pole Vault
(17:35) Inspiration from Carl Lewis (18:12) Life as a Student-Athlete (20:22) Financial Choices & Sacrifice in College
(25:03) Lessons Track & Field Taught About Life
(29:36) Friendship & Rivalry with Félix Sánchez
(34:15) Meeting His Wife, Shevon Stoddart
(38:37) Mental & Physical Preparation for Competition (41:22) Advice from Olympic Gold Medalist Charles Austin
(43:49) The Power of Visualization (49:02) Mutual Respect with Mutaz Barshim
(50:48) The 2016 Accident That Changed Everything
(54:58) Writing, Acting & Producing After Athletics
(59:03) Lessons from Donald Thomas & Global Competitors (01:06:35) Working with Hilary Swank on Away
(01:08:41) Upcoming Projects & Creative Goals
(01:11:26) Collaboration with Larry Wade
(01:16:11) Starring in Criminal Minds Season 19
(01:17:55) Favourite Actors & Athletes
(01:23:02) Creating His Short Film & New Storytelling Path
(01:25:42) Final Advice for the Next GenerationBehind-The-Scenes
