Tucson Standard

University of Arizona graduate student Delaney Schnell has set her sights on winning another medal and enjoying the experience as she prepares for what may be her final appearance at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Schnell, who previously earned a silver medal in the 10-meter synchronized platform dive at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with teammate Jessica Parratto, will compete again in both the synchronized and individual events.

"It's hard not to hold the expectation to be on the podium again," Schnell said. "Hopefully, I will be on the podium for individual as well. But when you put those expectations on yourself, I think it can make it harder to do something. So, I really just want to enjoy this one."

Schnell's rigorous training regime includes twice-daily water practices several times a week, weightlifting sessions, and preventative rehabilitation with athletic trainers. She emphasizes that mental focus is crucial for success in diving.

"Diving is very physical, but it's also a big mental game," she noted. "You are throwing yourself off three-story buildings and you also have to manage your adrenaline."

Schnell's collegiate career at U of A has been marked by numerous accolades including being named Pac-12 Women's Freshman Diver of the Year and earning three Pac-12 Diver of the Year titles. She holds university records in platform and 3-meter dives and won an NCAA national championship in 2023.

Currently pursuing a degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences, Schnell hopes to work as a speech-language pathologist specializing in adults with traumatic brain injuries post-Olympics. She plans to remain involved with diving through coaching after retiring from competition.

Several other Wildcats will join Schnell at this year's Olympics representing eight different countries across six sports: beach volleyball, swimming and diving, track and field, basketball, soccer, and golf.

"We are proud that so many current and former Arizona Wildcats will be competing on the biggest stage in the world at this summer's Olympic Games," said Athletic Director Desireé Reed-Francois. "These athletes have all earned their way to Paris... They represent what Arizona Athletics is all about: determination, integrity and excellence."

Among them is Chase Budinger (Team USA) competing in men's beach volleyball; Ralph Daleiden (Luxembourg), Dwight Dumais (Team USA), Jorge Iga (Mexico), Maryam Sheikhalizadehkhanghah (Azerbaijan) participating in swimming; Giancarla Trevisan (Italy) running track; Joseph Green (Guam) competing in track events; Edgar Rivera-Morales (Mexico) high jumping; Steve Kerr coaching Team USA men's basketball team; Josh Green playing for Australia's basketball team; Twila Kilgore assisting Team USA women's soccer team; Bianca Pagdanganan representing Philippines in women's golf.

The opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympics will take place Friday, July 26 at 10:30 p.m. PT on NBC, Peacock, and Telemundo.