Donald Scott is the kind of dad who makes you sit up a little straighter. A world-class triple jumper from Ft. Lauderdale. A coach. A trainer. A guy who built a career on speed, grit, and gravity-defying hops, yet says fatherhood is the real gold medal event.

If you follow track and field, you have watched him fly. If you follow fatherhood, you will want to hear him talk. Scott’s journey is not the polished, perfect dad story. It is the real kind. The kind built on long-distance parenting, purpose, and a six-year-old girl who changed everything.

Below is his story, crafted for our RAD DAD series. We highlight men who build a life worth copying.

The Hardest Part: Loving From a Distance

Donald does not sugarcoat it.
“Parenting from a distance was the hardest part.”

For years, he lived states away from his daughter. Flights, calls, and constant wondering if he was doing this parenting thing right. That question haunts a lot of dads, especially the ones who care the most.

But the second they are together?

“Everything clicks. I enter dad mode.”

Presence over perfection. It is the Dad Day way.

The Reward: Watching Her Grow Up Close Again

After three years away, Donald moved back.

You can feel the relief in his voice. School mornings. Homework. Lunch dates. Practice runs. Bedtime stories. The whole beautiful grind.

“The most rewarding part has been watching her development. Being back is so fulfilling.”

In the end, fatherhood is not about doing everything. It is about being there.

What He Wishes He Knew Before Becoming a Dad

This one hits hard, especially knowing Donald grew up without parents present.

“I wish somebody would have told me the kind of love that comes with a child. It is deeper than anything I can explain.”

He did not have the model. So he became one.

The Best Advice He Ever Got

“Do not be so quick to grow your child up. Allow them to be a child.”

Simple. True. A truth we repeat often: kids need space to be kids. They need patience, not perfection.

A Typical Dad Day for Donald Scott

Nothing fancy. Nothing curated. Just real dad life.

  • Breakfast

  • Dog out

  • School drop-off

  • Donald trains like the elite athlete he is

  • Pickup

  • Lunch

  • Homework

  • Dog time, play time, or something fun

  • Sports practice now that she is getting started

  • Dinner

  • Shower

  • A book

  • Bedtime

It is the rhythm of a dad who shows up everywhere that matters.

How He Handles the Juggle

His answer says everything:

“My daughter goes wherever I go.”

-Track practice
-Physical therapy
-Coaching
-Meets
-Work
-Life chaos

She is not an obligation. She is part of the mission.

His Grounding Practice

Donald keeps one simple mantra on repeat.

“Remember your purpose.”

Purpose does not erase stress. Purpose organizes it.

His Non-Negotiable

“When my daughter needs me, whatever it may be, I am there.”

Family first is not an idea for him. It is a lifestyle.

When He Finally Has a Minute to Himself

He decompresses with simple joys.

-DJing
-Bowling
-A bar with good music
-Quiet time alone

A reminder that dads need hobbies too. Recharge equals better fatherhood.

Where to Follow Him

IG and Twitter: @donaldscott_ll

Rad Dad Takeaway

Donald Scott reminds us that fatherhood is not about flawless execution. It is about fierce love, intentional presence, and rewriting the script you were handed.

He did not grow up with parents. His daughter is growing up with a great one.