Bucknell graduate Rayven Sample added another gold medal to his collection with a fantastic finish in the 400-meter dash at the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials in Miramar, Fla. on Friday. Competing in the mixed T45-47 Divisions race, Sample delivered a standout performance, clocking in at 49.46 seconds.
“I couldn’t have asked for a better performance in the 400m today,” said Sample. “Hearing 49 seconds over the loudspeakers was incredible. The past two years have been tough as I’ve consistently underperformed. Scoring in the Patriot League yet barely matching my high school times hurt. I thank my coaches and teammates who never stopped believing in me. Our recent work since graduation was crucial. Coach A won’t take credit, but this time is as much theirs as it is mine. I aim to turn my unofficial T45 400-meter World Record into an official one by racing under 49.21 seconds again.”
Sample’s time edged out the silver-place finisher, Tanner Wright, by 0.19 seconds. His incredible burst in the last 50 meters was the key to victory. This was the first time he broke the 50-second barrier in the outdoor 400-meter dash since the 2023 IC4A Championships when he ran 49.79. Extensive training at Bucknell, under the guidance of sprints coach Richard Alexander, paid off. Alexander even attended the event, providing extra motivation.
“I’m extremely happy for Rayven,” said Coach Alexander. “He has worked incredibly hard to reach this moment. Running his best outdoor 400 in two years at such a crucial time is a great accomplishment. He managed the heat and wind effectively. I believe his time gives him a strong chance of making the Paralympic team.”
Sample will compete in the T45-47 100-meter dash tomorrow at 11:12 a.m., with the event streamed on Peacock. The Team USA announcement for the Paris Paralympics will take place on Sunday, July 21 at 9:30am at the Miramar Cultural Center.