Eastern Michigan University graduate Jamie Nieto came within one miss of an Olympic high jump medal. Nieto, 27, peaked - literally and physically - at almost the perfect time, clearing a personal-record 7 feet, 8 inches (2.34 meters) in his second attempt at Athens.

Sweden's Stefan Holm, who cleared 2.34 on his third and last attempt, later jumped 2.36 to claim the gold medal. Matt Hemingway of the U.S. and Jaroslav Baba of the Czech Republic, both of whom cleared 2.34 on their first tries, brought home silver and bronze.

Nieto, a three-time All-American at Eastern, enjoyed a breakthrough year leading up to his win in this summer's U.S. Trials. Ranked among the top 10 U.S. jumpers since 1998, he had never finished higher than fourth at nationals before winning it all in 2003.

He equaled his personal best of 2.30 meters (7-6.5) three times that year, posted six of the top eight clearances by an American that season, claimed silver at the Pan Am Games, and finished seventh in his World Championship debut.

Nieto was so excited to win this year's Trials in a then-PR 2.33 meters, that he ripped off his shirt and did a back flip. He was a bit more subdued in Greece, but soared higher yet. There is no telling how high Nieto will set the bar by 2008. MR