Eastern Michigan University is continuing its summer Olympics tradition this year

YPSILANTI, Mich. (WXYZ) - At Eastern Michigan University, the home of the Eagles, its track and field athletes are still flying high at the summer Olympics. 

"The streak is something we're very, very proud of. I'm not so sure how many others can lay claim to such a streak, but we're very proud of it," says John Goodridge, head track & field coach at EMU.
 
He's proud of the fact that EMU has had at least one of its track and field athletes in every summer Olympics since 1960 when Hayes Jones started the tradition.
 
"Just being a part of trying to help continue this great tradition ... it's not only great responsibility, but it's a lot of fun," says Goodridge.

Hall of Famer Bob Parks spent 34 years as head track and field coach at EMU.
 
"It has been a great school for track and field. We've had great kids through the years. Jamie's one of them," says Parks.
 
He's talking about former EMU high jumper Jamie Nieto who's representing the U.S. at the Olympics in London. Parks was his coach.
 
"Jamie's my last guy. He's 35 years-old. I coached him in 1999. He's still going ... It's pretty amazing really. He's the oldest high jumper ever from the U.S.," says Parks.

Nieto talked to 7 Action News about making it to the London games.

"I jumped 7'7" in New York this year two weeks before the Olympic trials and then I went to the Olympic trials and I jumped 7'5 3/4" in the rain and won the Olympic trials," he says. 

Nieto says he knows this will be his last time at the Olympics so he's trying to cherish every moment.

"I'm very appreciative of being here. Looking forward to going out and competing and doing well. My first goal is to make it into the finals and once I get there it'll be to win a medal."

Nieto says he still gets nervous.

"I go out there and I always want to do well. I think that's why i'm more nervous is I don't want to let myself down more than anything. I just want to do my best."

As for being part of that EMU summer Olympics tradition, Nieto says "Making the Olympic team in 2004, then just missing out in 2008 and coming back in 2012 and continuing to keep the streak alive ... it's been great.  I'm glad I've been part of such an awesome tradition at EMU."

Nieto's qualifying heat for the high jump is being held on Sunday.

As for his future plans, Nieto says he has been taking acting classes and has been in 5 feature films. He's producing his own web series called Blood Brothers. You can learn more at   http://www.bloodbrotherswebseries.com

You can also visit his website  http:// JamieNieto.com

Former EMU hurdler Eric Alejandro also made it to the Olympics in London. He's a member of the Puerto Rico team.