Schmidt was yesterday selected in the New Zealand team for the Paris Games.
He was joined by Maddie Davidson, who has been named for her second Olympic Games following Tokyo 2021, where she became the first woman to compete in trampoline for New Zealand at that level.
Paris will be the third Olympic Games for 27-year-old Schmidt, who was crowned world champion in 2022.
“It’s crazy that it’s my third Olympics — it’s flown by,” Schmidt said.
“To go to my third Games and have the chance to do something special is pretty amazing and I really love being part of the wider New Zealand team.”
Schmidt said he was feeling in good form, having recently finished in fourth place at the Cottbus round of the world cup in Germany.
“Performing at my peak should get me right up top in Paris.
“If I can do that, it puts me in the mix for the podium and even the top spot.
"Ultimately, I’m there to be happy with my performance and if I’m happy I’ll be in the mix. I really just want to enjoy it, have fun and put out a performance I’m proud of.”
The Auckland-based athlete executed a brilliant routine for a score of 60.720 when he won the world title in 2022.
"That was a special moment," Schmidt said.
"It’s a great one to look back on but right now I’m focused on the job ahead and doing everything I can to prepare for Paris."
Davidson, who is based in Christchurch and trains at Olympia Gymnastic Sports, is thrilled to be off to her second Olympic Games.
"It’s pretty special," Davidson said.
"The first time was a real whirlwind, so to do it a second time is great.
“I’d love to make the final in Paris. Things are going really well in training, so we’re definitely heading in the right direction.”
The 25-year-old narrowly missed out on the final in Tokyo, placing 10th overall.
