North Columbus News

Lena Hentschel, a member of The Ohio State University dive team and the German Olympic team, is preparing for her second Olympics in Paris this July. Unlike her experience at the Tokyo Games, where events were held without spectators due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Hentschel looks forward to competing in front of an audience.

"A big difference will be, and something I am looking forward to is, diving in front of an audience," she said.

Hentschel, who won a bronze medal in 3-meter synchronized diving in Tokyo, expressed her excitement about having her parents join her in Paris and sharing the experience with her Ohio State community. She noted that some of her professors are more excited than she is about the upcoming games.

"I always carry at least one Ohio State shirt and I always have my little stuffed Brutus with me," she said. "I always have a little bit with me from Ohio State. It makes me happy to think about it."

Several of Hentschel's Ohio State swim and dive teammates will also compete in Paris on various national teams. Their shared experiences in international competitions foster mutual support among them.

"We know each other so well because we dive together every day," she said. "We know what it’s like to also travel for our national teams and what that means as a sacrifice – we have to travel more."

Hentschel's diving partner, Jette Mueller, trains in Germany where balancing full-time training and academics is challenging. Hentschel appreciates the U.S. system for allowing athletes to pursue both high-level sports and academics simultaneously.

"The U.S. system is considered the best in the world to continue your diving career and your academics at the same time. I’m so grateful to be part of this community," she said of Ohio State.

Reflecting on her journey, Hentschel credited much of her success to her time at Ohio State.

"I wouldn’t be the person I am right now without going on this path," she said. "I’m looking forward to the next two years [at Ohio State]. … My teammates have been so supportive. They were so happy when they found out I’d qualified for the Olympics."

With diving being one of the earlier events at the Olympics, Hentschel plans to watch other sports after completing her competition.

"I have a whole list," she said. "I’m excited for the diving, of course. I’m going to be the cheerleader for my team since I’m done first."

She hopes to see women's volleyball, gymnastics featuring Simone Biles, and any event involving her Ohio State teammates.

"At the end of the day, I love watching sports at the Olympics," she said. "I think it’s special to see all the athletes fighting for medals. It doesn’t matter what sport because every athlete and every journey is incredible."