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The "Legend" of
Dorothy Scott
"Dorothy"
Martha Brae, Trelawny.
Vere Technical High School - Clarendon, Jamaica.
Texas Woman's University - Texas, USA. &
Jamaica, WI.
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Dorothy E. Scott
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CHILDHOOD
Born in Falmouth and lived in Martha Brae until the age of 9.
Relocated with mother, older sister, and two younger brothers to Old Harbour, St. Catherine
after the death of her grand mother.
JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL
Track career started in 1970 while attending Old Harbour Junior Secondary School.
Developed tremendously under the tutelage of her Physical Education teacher, Doris Rhoden, and
before long she was beating just about everybody at her school, including some of the boys.
For two concecutive years, she was Chosen "Champion Girl" after winning the 100 yards, 200 yards,
and the high jump on sports day at her school.
Dorothy also played Netball quite well and led her team to an All Island Championship title in 1972 as the
"Goal Shooter". Reported by many to be among the "best Goal shooters they have ever seen".
HIGH SCHOOL
Granted a scholarship to Vere Technical High School in 1972, Dorothy's track career took off on a
diferent level. She won the Central Championship 100 yards, 200 yards, Long Jump, and the 400M sprint relay,
all in record times.
Due to conflicting practice schedules, this multiple event Track & Field athlete and superb
Netball player had to choose between the two, so she opted for a Track & Field.
In her first year at the Girls Championships, Dorothy finished 3rd in the 100m and 200m respectively,
beaten by the then top school girls, Regina Montaque and Maureen Robinson.
Interestingly, Dorothy's times were exactly the same as Maureen's, both in the 100m and the 200m.
This makes one wonder what tie-break system was applied. They might have "awarded" her the bronze medal
for a third place finish, but the "times" indicate a tie for second place and possibly deserving
a silver medal as well. Regardless, Dorothy later went on to become class champion at Girls championship
and helped Vere to win two consecutive National Championships.
Sadly and controversially, her Girls Champs days were cut short as it was alleged that Vere's entry were
late for 1976 which was her final year to compete.
VARSITY/COLLEGIATE
Texas Woman's University Track Team, Dorothy back 4th from left
Dorothy attended Texas Woman's University on a track scholarship from where she graduated in 1984 with a
degree in Business and Political Science. She had quite a successful collegiate career, competing in
numerous track meets winning several outstanding performer awards.
NATIONAL TEAM
National Team - (Dorothy at front right)
First represented Jamaica at the age of 15, competing at the Carifta Games in Trinidad, where she
won the under-17 200m. Competed in Cuba later that year, and was the youngest member of the CAC
team in Venezuela where she won a silver medal in the sprint relay. In all, she competed in four different
Carifta Games (from 1973 to 1976).
Represented Jamaica from 1973 to 1984 in a number of competitions:
Carifta Games
CAC Games and Championship
Commonwealth Games
Pan American Games
1980 Olympics in Moscow
1984 Olympics in Los Angeles (a finalist in the long jump).
Throughout her stellar career, she wore the national colors in several invitational track meets in
Europe, USA, and several other countries.
OTHER NOTABLE CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Nominated twice for the Sports Woman Of The Year award.
Former Junior record holder in the 100M and Long jump.
Held the national Long jump record for a while (21' 11").
Competed for the then world famous Atoms Track Club from Brooklyn, New York.
MOST MEMORABLE OCCASIONS IN HER CAREER:
1975 Girls Championships
- On the verge of withdrawing from all events due to injury, despite being the favourite to win the 100m,200m and Long Jump,
but (like a true champion) realizing that Vere was on the verge of losing, decided to run the anchor leg
sprint relay with a heavily strapped leg, thereby which allowing Vere to win by one point.
Beating Debbie Jones from Bermuda at the 1974 Carifta Games in Jamaica.
Also beating her the previous year in Trinidad.
Debbie was then the touted "golden girl" of the Caribbean.
Beating Roslyn Bryant and Jodie Anderson at the same meet.
Roslyn was the American record holder in the 400m and a finalist at the 1976 Olympics.
Jodie was the American record holder in the Long jump and was considered one of the best long jumper
in the world. That was quite a feat for a Jamaican athlete back then.
Most favorite memory - Being chosen to raise the Jamaican Flag in the Olympic Village at the 1984 Los
Angeles Games.
LIFE AWAY FROM THE SPOTLIGHT (her own words)
Dorothy Scott, May 2005
I was fortunate to be blessed with a lot of athletic ability.
I did the 100m, 200m, 400m, Long jump, high jump, shotput, discus and played Netball.
Unfortunately, none of this has been passed on to my two children.
They play soccer but but I think my daughter my be the one to follow in my footsteps.
My son wants to play Football but I have to get use to the idea of my child getting hurt.
I have worked with American Express bank in New york for 21 years as a Senior Financial Specialist.
I'm the proud mother of 2 wonderful children, Tremaine,12 and Imari, 7. They are my true achievements.
I have a wonderful husband, Neville, a New York State Correction Officer.
I have considered myself to be truly blessed with some wonderful coaches throughout my athletic career.
- Alrick Waite was my coach at Vere (he guided Vere to multiple championships).
- The late Foggy Burrowes (considered by many to be the best track and field mind in the Caribbean).
He was also my mentor and confidant.
- Dr. Bert Lyle was my college coach at Texax Woman's University (he is like an encyclopedia for track & field).
He was also the female head coach of the USA team at the 1992 Olympics.
- Finally, there was Fred Thompson (coach and founder of the Atoms Track Club).
He was also head coach of the USA women's team to the 1988 Olympics. All of my former coaches are still a part of my life.
I have also formed some life long friendships with most of the athletes that competed during my era,
and for that I'm thankful. We are all God-parents to each other's kids and have stayed in touch over the years.
Although I have left Trelawny so many years ago, my heart my is still there.
As a matter of fact, my father "Bunzie" Scott still lives there along with some
of my siblings, nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives.
I still maintain that my athletic career began in Trelawny from my daily walk from Martha Brae to Falmouth to go to school helped me a lot.
Link >>>
Dorothy's Scrapbook
Footnote:
Story based on my interview with Dorothy and excerpts from her scrap book which she graciously provided to me back in May 2005.
-- November 2005
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