One small town family went global Wednesday morning.
The Bassetts are traveling all the way from the Johnstown area to Budapest, Hungary for 14-year-old Bo Bassett to compete in the World Championship for wrestling.
“I’m feeling very excited. This has been a dream come true. Ever since I was 6 years old, I made the goal. I wanted to make a world team and be a world champion someday. Now, to finally be able to go out and have that opportunity, it’s a pretty awesome feeling,” Bo said.
The 14-year-old who will be heading into eighth grade at Bishop McCort is young for the competition, competing against 15 to 17 year olds.
He’s one of just seven people on the United States team that will be competing against kids from all over the world.
“On and off the mat, he makes us proud. He’s just a really good kid. He’s always been very self motivated. Just a very good kid. An easy kid to raise, I’d say,” said Bo’s mom, Karissa.
Bill, Bo’s dad, agrees.
“In our house, we preach academics and character first. He’s very good at that, and I think that ultimately made him into the wrestler he is today,” he said.
They’ll be in Budapest for 12 days while Bo competes in both freestyle and Greco wrestling brackets.
“I was inspired when I was younger by some of the older guys in my club, that maybe made a world team or won a state title, and that just pushed me forward to do those same things,” he said.
That’s along with tons of support from his friends, teammates, and family during their big send off Wednesday morning, when the family departed for the airport.
“I’m very very excited. I’m his old grandma, I’m 93. I love him, and I want him to bring the gold home,” said Virginia Hull, Bo’s Great Grandmother.
Bo hopes to bring back two gold medals, but ultimately just wants to make his supporters proud.
“I just want them to see that their dreams can come true and they can have the opportunity to do what they want,”
