PARIS, FRANCE (WITN) – One Duke alum is excited to compete in her first Olympic Games and represent the Philippines.

On Sunday, Lauren Hoffman will make her Paris debut in the 400m hurdles. Hoffman will run for the Philippines where she says this is a special moment for her to showcase her heritage on the big stage.

Since this is Hoffman’s first Olympics, she wants to take each race day by day, so she doesn’t put too much pressure on herself.

“This is just like really special. I know that Team Philippines isn’t sending hundreds of athletes. I think across all of the delegations I think it was a little over 20 so to be a part of that group is very special. You know we’re like a tiny but mighty group,” said Hoffman.

Even though Hoffman graduated from Duke in 2022, she still lives in Durham. She is very grateful to the continued support from Duke, her former coaches, and the North Carolina community for supporting her throughout her professional career.