The stage is set for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France on July 26, and two N.C. State students are on their way to represent the United States and the university.

Katharine Berkoff and Ryan Held, former Wolfpack athletes, were chosen for this year’s Olympic team, along with almost 600 other athletes across the country.

This will be Berkoff’s first time qualifying for the Olympics while Held is making a return after competing in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in the 2016 Olympics.

“In my head, I was always an Olympian,” Berkoff said.

When it comes to the water, Berkoff exudes confidence. 

“When I hit the wall and saw that I got the American record and I had all my teammates coming over to get me, it was a really awesome feeling,” Berkoff said.

The moment Berkoff said she achieved one of her biggest milestones was when she surpassed the American record in the 100-meter backstroke at the NCAA championship. 

She has won this event three times.

“That was always like a dream of mine, to get an American record,” Berkoff said.

As for the next milestone, she said it’s time to compete in the 2024 Olympics.

Paris is preparing to host over 10,000 Olympians from around the world, who will showcase their talents in 32 different sports.

Berkoff secured her spot in the 100-meter backstroke after finishing second at the U.S. Swimming Olympic Trials in Indianapolis last month.

The Montana native said, although she didn’t come in first place, she was relieved that her time was good enough to qualify. Three years ago she missed the mark.

“I think I was a little scared of reliving emotion like that,” Berkoff said.

She says with the training she received at N.C. State, and her dad’s support — who is a four-time Olympic medalist and four-time world record holder from the late 1980s, early 1990s — she can’t go wrong.

“He’s been super low-key, though, about it. He never puts any pressure on me and it’s never been, like, overbearing in any way,” Berkoff said.

The Montana native says she appreciates her dad and his input because he knows what she is capable of, even when she’s unsure. 

The 23-year-old expresses joy in crossing another goal off her list of achievements. Despite not being able to attend the opening ceremonies, she mentions that organizers are providing her with all the Olympic gear.

The Olympic games will be held in Paris, France, from July 26 to Aug. 11.