A year ago this time, five track and field athletes from different levels of backgrounds were competing across the world.
One was competing internationally in Germany.
Two were competing in the Texas high school state championships, representing communities that do not send too many athletes to that stage.
Another one was also competing in states in Texas, but he had no college offers and was considering playing another sport entirely at the collegiate level.
And the final one had all but given up hope that she was going to be able to come to the United States.