Lolo Jones is helping raise funds for Olympian paralyzed in training accident
Olympic track star Lolo Jones has joined the cause to help high jumper Jamie Nieto, who was paralyzed with a spinal injury during a training accident in Los Angeles last Saturday.
Nieto's manager, Paul Doyle, told TMZ Sports that the two-time Olympian landed on his head doing a backflip exercise and that a helicopter was called to transport him to the USC Medical Center.
"We were very close to losing him at one stage," Doyle told TMZ Sports. "But thankfully, the MRI came back with no broken neck and the spinal cord remained intact."
The U.S. track and field world was quick to express their support for Nieto, who finished sixth at the 2012 London Olympics and fourth in the 2004 Games in Athens.
Found out one of my Olympic brothers suffered a spine injury.... Praying for you @jamienieto… https://t.co/Ozikkb6ZvT
— Sanya Richards-Ross (@SanyaRichiRoss) April 23, 2016
Please continue to keep 2x Olympian @JamieNieto in your thoughts as he begins his recovery: https://t.co/Qe2j4W1Dsv pic.twitter.com/ROtIlEeQRQ
— USATF (@usatf) April 25, 2016
According to Doyle, the 39-year-old has started to get feeling back in his arms and legs and doctors are optimistic about his recovery. But Nieto reportedly cancelled his health insurance in a cost-saving measure and is in need of financial assistance.
A fundraising page has been established to support Nieto -- so far, more than $9,000 of the $20,000 goal has been pledged. And summer and winter Olympian Lolo Jones recorded this video to help her friend and colleague:
"I feel like someone who has helped represent Team USA in the last few Olympics, that we should be able to help him now, in his most trying time," Jones said. "Please help donate to him now, so we can help him get back on his feet and he can soar to great heights again."
