Photo courtesy of Richard Alexander
2020 Cassadaga Valley graduate Rayven Sample was named to the 2024 US Paralympic Team on Sunday morning.
MIRAMAR, Fla. — Bucknell Class of 2024 graduate Rayven Sample earned a slot on the 28-man Team USA roster for the 2024 Paris Paralympics as announced Sunday morning. Sample will compete in the 400-meter dash. The 2024 Paralympics start Aug. 28 and run through Sept. 8.
“Making the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games roster was never guaranteed,” said Sample, a 2020 Cassadaga Valley Central School graduate. “It took one of my career’s best races to get this opportunity and I’m confident there is more to come in a month. Last night was stressful as the difficulty of making this team was one of, if not the hardest, it has ever been. It was a hard night to sleep as I kept dreaming of hearing my name called at the selection announcement. I am proud to be selected for my second Paralympic Games with my eyes set on officially taking my classification’s world record and battling for a medal. It was a great weekend to be a Bison.”
The selection marks the second time Sample will represent America in the international competition. He previously wore the Red, White & Blue in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics where he finished eighth in the 400-meter dash.
Bucknell’s head coach Kevin Donner was overjoyed about the announcement.
“Making Team USA is a huge accomplishment that means so much for Rayven and our program. He essentially put his life on hold after graduation so he could continue to train with Coach (Richard) Alexander and Coach (Darrin) Shirk (strength & conditioning) for this opportunity. It was worth it. He seems to be peaking well as he ran his season best in the 400-meters. I believe he will continue that trend in Paris.”
The gamble paid off in spades. Sample sealed his selection when he placed first in the T45-47 400-meter dash. The runner blitzed to his best outdoor time (49.46) in nearly two years of competition. His burst in the final 50 meters ensured the victory and clinched the spot. It was the first time he broke the 50-second mark since the 2023 IC4A Outdoor Championships.
Bucknell’s sprints coach and fellow alum Richard Alexander accompanied Sample to the event. “I’m very happy for Rayven. His work has been incredible over the last few weeks and the past four years. To get a second opportunity to represent Team USA at the Paralympics is amazing. I could not be prouder of him.”
The 400-meter dash is currently scheduled for Sept. 6 at the Paris Paralympics. More information will be forthcoming and Bison fans can follow Sample’s Paralympic journey via Bucknell Track & Field’s social media accounts and the Bucknell Athletics website.
Being named to his second Paralympic team adds to Sample’s list of accomplishments dating back to his athletic career with the Falconer/Cassadaga Valley merged soccer, cross country and track & field teams.
Last November, he earned a bronze medal in the men’s T47 400 meters at the Parapan-American Games in Santiago, Chile. Prior to that, he was a member of the 2021 United States Paralympic Team where he reached the finals of the 400 meters.
Always quick to thank those who have supported him during his running career, Sample paid a visit to the Falconer Invitational in 2022 where he presented Golden Cougars’ coaches Dave Nelson and Nick Spry his framed Paralympic jersey and number.