August 3, 2025 | Repost from Bucknell Athletics | Men’s Track and Field | Photo by: David Ramos
EUGENE, OREGON- Bucknell alum Rayven Sample ’24 collected two gold medals on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at the 2025 USATF Para National Championships. The sprinter posted wins in the T45-47 100 and 400-meter dashes. Sample is a T45 runner – the classification for athletes with double upper limb impairments, specifically affecting both arms.
“Racing at Hayward Field was a dream come true,” said Sample. “I am very excited for the continued growth of para track and field as more eyes are introduced to what we do. Nationals being combined with the able bodied athletes was a huge step forward and everyone has had overwhelmingly positive feedback from the experience.”
Sample started Saturday racing in the physically taxing 400-meter dash. He dominated the four-man field, racing 50.45, winning the event by 4.16 seconds over second-place Maximilian Allabaugh. Sample led from the opening gun and never halted his determined pace.
“One of my Bucknell teammates is working on a theory,” said Sample. “He said I like the pain of running more than I like running. Sometimes, I agree, especially when I am running the 400. Honestly, racing is just fun. You can’t beat it. It is the most raw and natural human thing ever.”
The 100-meter dash was Saturday’s penultimate event and Sample provided fireworks. The Bison graduate darted a personal best 11.33 and completely dominated the field. His first step was excellent and the outcome never lacked uncertainly.
“Earlier in the 400, I didn’t finish the way I wanted to but coach texted me and said I ran 11.11 in the 100-200 split which I never ran that fast,” said Sample. “He told me to lock back in and run a personal record in the 100 and I did.”
The mentioned coach was Richard Alexander – Bucknell track & field’s sprints maestro and associate head coach. The two Bison remain close and his training of Sample has paid dividends in both the collegiate and Paralympic circles.
Despite the two gold medals, Sample did not make the United States roster for the 2025 Para World Championships this September in New Delhi, India. The United States selected 40 athletes (20 men and 20 women). Sample represented America last year in the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Sample’s future plans include training for the 2028 Summer Paralympics which will be held in Los Angeles. 2026 is an off year with no international competition, so his focus will be on making the 2027 World’s roster.
