While the Summer Olympics start in Rio de Janiero in one week, a Connecticut-native just found out on Friday he’s joining Team USA.
Mike Hartfield will compete in the long jump, something he picked up quickly at Manchester High School.
Hartfield says he's still wrapping his mind around everything.
He had placed 5th in the Olympic trials weeks ago after a 27 and a half feet jump. A spot on the team was not certain until Friday when a lineup shuffle meant Hartfield was going.
A call from Hartfield's coach changed everything on Friday.
"He's like congratulations. You're an Olympian and then I just started yelling," says Hartfield.
He may be training in San Diego but the excitement for the long jumper rippled all the way back to Hartfield's home state of Connecticut.
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Thayer Redman was the 26-year-old's track and field coach at Manchester High School.
“Mike is extremely gifted but he walked through the halls of Manchester High like so many other kids. What he did was commit to it," says Redman.
Hartfield set records at Manchester and then at Ohio State University.
There were tougher challenges off the track: His mother suffered a stroke and his father passed away.
"As a track coach you see so many kids come through and to see him persevere through ups and downs, injuries and hardships, I'm just so happy for him," says Redman.
The incredible news for Hartfield comes on what happens to be his father's birthday.
The finals for long jump in Rio falls on the sixth anniversary of his dad's passing.
"If you want to talk about motivation, to really go out there and give it everything you have," says Hartfield. "I'm just so ready to go."
And in the stands will be a familiar face.
His former high school coach who realized by a fluke the kid had a gift is planning to go to Rio to watch.
"The whole town, now the whole state, we're rooting for Mike," says Redman.
"I appreciate all the love and support. And you know I'm going to try and bring that hard work back to Connecticut," says Hartfield.
Hartfield realized his talent by accident during a gym class when the track coach noticed he could jump.
His Olympic journey begins on Monday and his first day of competition is August 12th.
