University of North Carolina Athletics
Meaders Coaches Thrower To Olympic History
August 7, 2012 | Track & Field
LONDON - University of North Carolina track and field head coach Harlis Meaders helped make history in the men's shot put final at the 2012 Olympic Games as he acted as personal coach to Jamaican thrower Dorian Scott. Scott was the first Jamaican to ever reach the shot put final at an Olympiad.
"I am truly delighted to see Dorian live out his dream," says Coach Meaders, who joined the Carolina program in July. "He has done an outstanding job. I was delighted to coach him as a collegian, work with him as a professional and, after he moved to San Diego, to consult with him on this journey. Please understand that he has done all of the hard work and this is his moment."
Meaders coached Scott at Florida State from 2001 to 2003 where the thrower earned All-ACC honors and was a two-time All-America in 2003 for the indoor and outdoor seasons. Scott went on to train for the 2004 Olympics and has been training for these Games ever since.
"I believe that Dorian's college and post collegiate career stroked a fire that had already been started by Coach Julian Robinson and Coach Michael Vassell," adds Coach Meaders, "Along with a few others, Coach Vassell and Coach Robinson are to be congratulated on the out break of great young throwers in Jamaica now."
Scott qualified for the final by throwing 20.31 meters (66-6). He later threw 20.61 meters (67-6) to place 10th overall in the final.
Meaders left for London last week to coach Scott in the opening weekend of track and field competition. He is now back on campus preparing for the 2012-13 Carolina season.
