Adamson studied at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University), graduating in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in physical education.
During his time there, he was a four-time all-conference runner, competing in the steeplechase and other long-distance running events.
In 1980, during his sophomore year, he won the NCAA Division III steeplechase championship, and finished fourth in the Jamaican trials for the 1980 Olympics.
[1][2][3] Whilst a student, Adamson set the Jamaican steeplechase national record, and competed at the 1982 Central American and Caribbean Games.
[5][b] Later in the year, he was scheduled to compete at the 1984 New York City Marathon, but withdrew before the start as the weather was too warm.