The countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is officially less than 100 days away. Starting July 26, Texas fans will be able to see some familiar faces on the international stage.

German international athlete Leo Neugebauer will compete in the track decathlon, while junior diver Hailey Hernandez looks to make her second Olympic appearance in the three-meter springboard event.

In his final year of college, Neugebauer won the NCAA indoor heptathlon title with a personal best, a Texas and German national record, and the National Indoor Field Athlete of the Year award. His record-breaking indoor season was one of many successful seasons throughout his career, and it is a time in his life that Neugebauer said he will miss.

“I feel like time flies since this is my last season,” Neugebauer said. “I’m really appreciating and enjoying everything during the last trip.”

Neugebauer’s Olympic debut is a huge feat that he said he is looking forward to, as is the community support that comes with it sent from Germany.

“It’s always been a dream and it feels great because people really like you,” Neugebauer said. “You give everything for the country and they support you no matter what, and that is always a great feeling.”

Neugebauer credits his experience competing at the World Championships and NCAA Championships as preparation for the upcoming Olympics. These events have helped him realize how to focus on his training and trust him during competitions.

“It’s just about knowing what’s coming and then being prepared for the moment,” Neugebauer said. “There’s a lot of pressure and you learn to deal with it, so it’s all a learning experience.”

Experience in all competitions helps prepare for the Olympic Games, but Hernández already has Olympic experience under his belt. Having competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Hernández finished ninth in her three-meter springboard diving competition.

Since then, she said her time in Texas has helped her grow and prepare to try again to secure her spot in the Olympic trials.

“Matt (Scoggin), my coach, is incredible, and having an incredible team around me that is able to push me… my confidence in my diving has grown a lot,” Hernandez said. “I know I can do it if I just focus on myself and my training.”

Hernández experienced the feeling of representing his country on a global level during the 2020 Olympic Games as a member of Team USA. He hopes to welcome the public back to competitions and have the support of his family and friends, as well to have another opportunity to experience the Olympic Games in their most authentic form.

“It’s absolutely incredible. Every time I compete internationally for Team USA, I feel very proud and honored,” Hernandez said. “It would mean a lot to be able to continue that and hopefully be able to compete again on the Olympic stage for Team USA.”

Hernández and Neugebauer hope to take advantage of the few months before the start of the Olympic Games to continue their preparation and secure their places at the Paris Games.