Considered “one of the biggest success stories in US track & field,” Adam Nelson (Dartmouth ‘97) won every major shot put event in seven European countries in six weeks of the summer of 2000. By the time he reached the Olympic Trials, he was ranked first in the world, and he was ready to deliver.

And deliver he did. His was the longest throw by an American in four years, the fourth longest in U.S. history, and the ninth farthest ever in the world. “I never saw the shot land,” he told Sports Illustrated. “I just felt it and I knew it was huge. It was like the perfect golf swing, where the ball is right on the sweet spot.”

Now ranked #1 in the world, Nelson won a silver medal in the Sydney Olympics. He’s now training for the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004.

Because of DHAC, his transportation needs are met, and he recieves opportunities to showcase his speaking talents and help other athletes. DHAC/ U.S. Athletic Trust mentors advise him on his career planning after his quest for Athens Gold.

I sent periodic emails out to my friends and supporters during my 2000 season. This email pretty much sums up my best moment:

From: Adam Nelson
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2000 1:19 AM
To: Adam Nelson
Cc: Everyone
Subject: Olympic Update
Hello Everyone,

I’ve had quite a weekend. For those of you who were unable to watch the meet, this is the recap. First, on Thursday, I drove up to Sacramento with my training partner, Allen Bababayan. We both felt very confident about the next day’s qualifying rounds. So after a terrific Armenian dinner with Allen’s Uncle and Aunt, I set out for my hotel room and sweet dreams of big qualifying day. Friday began, as any other typical day, with a nice breakfast and light lunch. As the hours rolled by and 4:45 approached, I began to focus on the task at hand. It was a brisk 96 degrees in Sacramento, not a cloud in the sky, and sun was beating down the dogs. In other words, it was a gorgeous day to throw far. I stepped into the practice ring on Friday. Everything felt great. My challenge was to throw the 20 meter automatic qualifier for Saturday’s finals, and do it in as short a time as possible. As the first thrower in the round, I had the opportunity to be the first one qualified and to send a message. With an easy 20.85m, 68′11, I walked out off the field with only the top-ranked CJ Hunter for company. For whatever reason, everyone else seemed to have problems surpassing the 20 meter qualifying distance. The stage for Saturday’s finals were set. Though there were some surprising performances on Friday, everyone who was supposed to make it to the finals Saturday did. Saturday began at 4am. I couldn’t sleep. I watched tv. Read some. On a whole, I was just too excited. Opportunities like Saturday only come once in a life time(or sometimes once every four years). As final’s time approached, I was unable to eat. For the first time in years, I had butterflys. I managed half a chicken sandwich for lunch. Those who have witnessed my eating habits know how unsual this is. Finals began just be for 4pm. Like the day before, the weather was spectacular. I felt great. I was the third thrower to approach the ring, opening the competition with 21.32m, 69′11. Andy Bloom, John Godina, Kevin Toth, and CJ Hunter followed. Through the first round, I was still on top. I couldn’t believe it. Fast forward to the final three throws. Going into the finals CJ took the lead with a throw of 21.53(???). I was in second place with my opening throw of 21.32m, 69′11. Formal world champion John Godina was in third. The order remained unchanged and unchallenged until Andy Bloom launched a crowd captivating, personal best of 21.61, 70′11. Though happy for Andy, his throw bumped me back to the third position. The crowd anxiously watched John Godina step into the ring for his final throw. As the formal world champion, John definitely had some tricks up his sleeve. However, it just wasn’t his day. He fouled. The crowd continued it’s interest in the shot. Andy had just exploded. John had fouled, and now it was my turn to test the fates. Knowing I had already made the team, I stepped in the ring. The hairs on the back of my neck stood as I approached the rear of the ring. I settled into my starting position while the crowd clapped in thunderous unison. I saw my dad in the stands directly behind circle. He looked at me as if to say, “what are you going to do now? how bad do you want it?” My body surged with adrenalin. The world slowed and the noise of the crowd faded into the distance. As I unwinded releasing the shot put into it’s orbit, the world sprung back to speed. The noise of the crowd erupted, and I erupted. I saw the shot land past the 21 meter line. I saw it continue farther than it had before. It finally came to rest 22.12 meters away(72′7″). The rest is history. That throw registers as the 9th best performance ever recorded. It broke the Olympic Trials record by over a foot. Needless to say, I’m pretty excited. Thanks again for all of your support. Now, I must refocus. CJ is still the guy to beat. I’ll meet him several times over the summer in Europe. It will be interesting. A special thanks to parents and brother who made the trek across country. Another special thanks to Icarian, Linda and Loren for organizing the most incredible pep rally I’ve ever seen (it worked).
Thanks to you all,
Adam