Ashland University was represented well at the 2023 World Athletics Outdoor Championships in Budapest, Hungary, as former Eagles’ Katie Moon and Trevor Bassitt competed to represent the United States on the grand stage.

While Moon took home a gold medal in the women’s pole vault, Bassitt was able to place sixth in the men’s 400-meter hurdle following an impressive 47.38-second finish in the semi-final round.

“I had a feeling it was going to take a bit of work to get in, but if you would have told me a 47.38, which is a top 20 time in history, would have gotten me third in my heat in a semi-final. I would’ve said you are crazy,” said Bassitt.

In the semi-final round, he set his new outdoor personal record (pr) with that 47.38-second time.

Prior to his appearance at the 2023 World Athletics Outdoor Championships, he competed in the 2023 USATF Outdoor Championships where he Pr’d then as well with a time of 48.26. That time gave him a third-place finish.

“This last one hurt. To walk away empty-handed after a PB in the semi-final is one of the most painful things I have ever experienced in this sport,” he said on social media. “I am frustrated and disappointed.”

In his college career, he pieced together 10 D-II national championships and 21 All-American individual honors, marking years of success for the up-and-coming track star. In his professional rookie season, he has already kept his name in the mix of athletes to be on the lookout for.

“I am beyond thankful and grateful for the opportunity to represent my country, my family and glorify God on the biggest stage these past five days,” he said. “I know we have bigger things in store. I still have three meets left to cap off my rookie year, and I plan to end the season on my terms.”