Becoming an Olympian: Leo's Inspirational Story

As the world gathered to witness the Paris 2024 Olympics, amidst the roar of the crowd and the gleam of gold medals, an inspiring story emerged—not just one of athletic triumph, but of self-belief, the power of men’s jewellery, and the deep, personal stories they carry

For Leo Neugebauer, the name that could be heard bellowing throughout the stadium, that was never just about competing for a podium position but instead about running his own race—one that started long before the Olympics. In fact, his journey began in Stuttgart, where, at just 6 years old, he first took up athletics as an after-school activity. After finishing his homework, he would head to the track with friends, unknowingly laying the foundation for a remarkable career.

Leo Neugebauer proudly wearing his Gold Africa Pendant during the Paris Olympics, a symbol of self-belief and nod to his heritage (source: archysport)

Fast forward nearly two decades, and Leo achieved the scores needed to qualify for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics—something he had 'dreamed about'. But it was Leo's mindset, revealed in an interview almost a year ago, that hinted at the greatness he's gone on to achieve. 'I don't see any limits for me,' he confidently stated. 'I can't even imagine what I can do from this year to next year'.

Come the Olympics games, and one detail that shone through was the golden Africa pendant hanging from Leo’s neck—a piece of men’s jewellery that, while may seem simple to the unknowing eye, held a profound connection to his heritage. His father, Biyela Terence, originally from Cameroon, was a former soccer player and athlete himself.

Leo Neugebauer layers his 18K Gold Wheat Chain and Africa Pendant while competing in the Summer Olympics (source: CRC)

In an interview weeks before his Olympic debut, Leo shared the true meaning behind his pendant, saying: 'I’ve been competing with this necklace for the longest time now. My mom is from Germany, and my dad is from Africa. I’m representing Germany a lot, but I don’t want to forget about my other side.' For Leo, it was more than just a gold pendant; grounding him through every race, every hurdle, and every challenging moment. It represented the unity and strength of his diverse heritage—something he carried with immense pride on his journey to achieving an Olympic silver medal.

But it's Leo’s outlook, coupled with the continuous grin on his face, that reveals the most important aspect of his story. His journey has always been shaped by a different mentality—one less focused on winning and more on pushing the limits of what he can achieve, all while maintaining an optimistic outlook on life. 'The Olympics is always the end goal for every athlete,' he said. 'You want to say, "I am an Olympian." That’s why just being there is going to mean everything to me, just having fun and hopefully doing really well... that’s my biggest goal.

Leo Neugebauer celebrates his silver medal with a radiant smile—a moment that embodies years of dedication, self-belief, and perseverance (source: SI) 

It's moments like these why CRAFTD was built—when men’s jewellery becomes more than just an accessory and, instead, honours the stories, struggles, and triumphs that shape who we are. For Leo, his silver medal wasn’t just a victory in sport; it was a testament to his character and the result of years of unwavering dedication. It exemplifies what it means to be a true champion—not just in reaching the podium, but in his lifelong commitment to running his own race and savouring the journey as much as the destination.

His story reminds us that success is never about crossing the finish line first; it’s about having the courage to believe in yourself every step of the way. Whether that’s standing on a global stage or navigating life’s everyday challenges, the true measure of a champion lies in the strength of your vision, the stories you tell yourself, and your will to make them a reality.

As the Olympic flame fades and the world turns its attention to the next great challenge, let Leo’s journey inspire you to carry your story with pride, follow your own path, and, most importantly, back yourself—every step of the way.

Quotes referenced from: olympics.com