Germany's Leo Neugebauer moved to sixth in the decathlon all-time list and only narrowly missed the 9,000 points mark with a 2024 world lead 8,961 points at the NCAA Championships.
Competing for the University of Texas, the 23-year-old confirmed himself a top medal contender for the upcoming Paris Olympics as he improved his own German national record by 125 points on Wednesday and Thursday in Eugene.
"It's unbelievable. I can't even describe how it feels. I can't put my thoughts into words," Neugebauer said.
Neugebauer had a strong competition highlighted by a decathlon world best discus throw of 57.70 metres but he lacked energy in the concluding 1,500m to get to 9,000 points.
"I tried, I overtook people. But there are other disciplines where I can get the points,’ he said.
Looking ahead at the Olympic decathlon competition on August 2 and 3, he said that "I am feeling great" in an expression of confidence that he can improve on his fifth-place finish from last year's world champioships.
"I have really invested a lot of work over the past two years," he said.