By Paula Pyzik Scott
2024 Paris Olympics fever in Bluffton hit its peak on Wednesday, August 7, when fans of Bluffton native and men’s 400m hurdles competitor Trevor Bassitt filled the Bluffton High School gym for a semi-finals watch party.
Fans chanted “U-S-A, U-S-A!” and “Tre-vor Bas-sit, Tre-vor Bas-sit!” The high school provided a large screen television and Bluffton Family YMCA brought in day campers. Bill Theisen, who has been part of the Bluffton High School coaching staff, noted “There were several hundred people there. The community really did show up.”
After two very early morning appearances, Bassitt ran in the first semi-final heat at 12:35 p.m.at the Stade du France in Paris. He placed fourth in the heat with a time of 48.29, behind finalists Karsten Warholm of Norway, Clement Ducos of France, and Alison dos Santos of Brazil.
Theisen comments that Bassitt got off to a fast start but had a tough lane 2 assignment: “He looked good, he looked strong, he was gliding over the hurdles.” Theisen also noted that Bassitt was 8th overall but was in a very fast heat.
Throughout Olympic coverage, announcers have commented that the Stade du France has a very fast track. Theisen explained that this has to do with the surface material and the width of the turns. At this Olympics, athletes “are running really well,” said the BHS coach.
The final on August 9 was won by Bassitt’s U.S. teammate Rai Benjamin with a time of 46.46.
Other fans, including former Bluffton track coach Ryan Dunlap, were glued to their televisions, as far away from distractions as possible. “It was incredible,” said Dunlap later that day, ”and I’m so happy for Trevor…. He’s a kid who’s earned everything that he’s accomplished…. It’s fun to be on this journey with him.”
The Bluffton High School and Ashland University track star, who trains in Florida, told his Facebook followers that “This story is far from over.” He noted, “Finishing 8th but missing the Olympic Final hurts more than I can describe. The goal was to medal, or at worst make the final and run a PB, so to leave here empty handed stings.
“I was physically ready and mentally ready but I just wasn’t able to get the job done. That said, I serve a God who never fails, whose plan is perfect, and is greater than all things. It’s an honor to glorify Him and represent our great country on the world’s biggest stage.”
For more words from Bassitt after qualifying and during the Olympics, visit
Post trials interview on FloTrack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TowdEzaMVo
Bassitt on wearing black on FloTrack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7TowdEzaMVo
Bassitt on NBC
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/h4tFl1EJD8o
