Three Allegheny Athletes and Their Olympic Journeys
As we watch the world’s best athletes at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, Allegheny College celebrates the legacy of three former Olympians whose stories of perseverance, hard work, and triumph continue to inspire and uplift the Gator community.
Jeremy Scott ‘03: 2012 Olympics
Jeremy Scott ’03 competed in Olympic trials and qualified for the 2012 Olympics in London in the men’s pole vault, where he placed 14th.
During his time at Allegheny, the neuroscience major blossomed into arguably the top pole vaulter among all three NCAA divisions. He was a six-time North Coast Athletic Conference champion, earning three indoor and three outdoor titles, while he was a four-time All-American and two-time NCAA Division-III National Champion.
In 2000, he captured his first NCAC outdoor championship, going on to earn his first All-America nod with a second-place finish at the NCAA Division-III Championships. After earning his first NCAC indoor title in 2001, Scott repeated as the NCAC champion and NCAA runner-up in the outdoor championships. He enjoyed a storybook 2002 campaign, again sweeping the NCAC indoor and outdoor titles, while going on to be crowned the Division III National Champion in both.
He continued his record-breaking career as a senior in 2003, setting the NCAA all-division indoor record, while again capturing the NCAC indoor title. That spring, he joined truly historic company, as he qualified for the world indoor championships, becoming the first Division-III athlete since the legendary Edwin Moses to do so while still a student.
He graduated in 2003, and used his final semester of collegiate eligibility at the University of Arkansas, helping the Razorbacks capture the 2004 SEC championship. Scott then embarked on a long professional career, becoming a household name in the world track and field circles. The top-ranked indoor vaulter in both 2010 and 2011, he achieved the ultimate goal of competing in the Olympic Games in 2012.
Jennifer Colgrove Martin ‘83-Five Time Olympics Trials
As Allegheny College’s Female Athlete of the Year in both 1981-82 and 1982-83, Jennifer Colgrove Martin ‘83 stands out as one of the most celebrated female athletes in the College’s history. In 1982, she became the Gators’ first NCAA Mideast cross country champion, later earning All-America honors with a fifth-place finish at that season’s NCAA Division III Championships. In total, Martin’s performances in track and cross country earned her All-American honors five times at Allegheny — three times in cross country and twice in track.
After graduating from Allegheny College, Martin received sponsorship from Nike in 1985 and began training under long-time Edinboro University Coach Doug Watts, with the support of her husband, Bill.
Martin secured first place finishes at the 1993 Columbus Marathon and the 1994 California International Marathon, and finished second at the 1994 Columbus Marathon. As a five-time Olympic trials qualifier, she competed in the World Championships in 1993, 1994, and 1995, and won the silver medal in the marathon at the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Martin was inducted into Allegheny’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1993. She was the College’s first-ever All American in cross country and the first women’s Gator to earn the honor in track.
Olivier Allinéi – 1992 Olympics
Oliver Allinéi ‘89 began his professional basketball career at Allegheny College, where he was a standout player known for his exceptional skills and leadership on the court. His remarkable performance at Allegheny laid the foundation for his professional career. After graduating, he returned to his home country of France, where he signed his first professional contract with a team in the prestigious French Championship league. His talent and hard work quickly garnered attention, leading to his selection for the French Olympic Team in 1992.
Competing on the international stage, Allinéi showcased his prowess and dedication to the sport, contributing significantly to his team’s efforts. The following year, he was also chosen to represent France in the French National Team in 1993. During this time, he demonstrated his athletic excellence and determination, earning a bronze medal at the Mediterranean Games in Agde. Allinéi’s achievements not only highlight his personal success but also reflect his important role in advancing French basketball on the global stage. His career as a point guard continues to inspire the men’s basketball team at Allegheny.
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