Marketing yourself early on can be a true game-changer for shaping your future, especially if you have the talent and achievements to back it up. However, it’s not always a smooth ride. Just ask Bo Bassett, a young wrestling prodigy who’s seen both the highs and lows of being in the spotlight.

At just 17, Bo’s story is already one of remarkable accomplishment and tough lessons. Back in 2021, as a seventh grader at Bishop McCort Catholic in Pennsylvania and a standout member of the Young Guns Wrestling Club, Bo made waves by securing spots on both the Freestyle and Greco-Roman Cadet World Teams at just 45 kg. His trajectory seemed destined for greatness.

But now, Bo finds himself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Recently, Bassett made a splash with a video on X, informing his followers with a big announcement: “What’s up, guys? We’ve got a huge announcement coming out tomorrow, and the only way to find out is to be part of the inner circle. Just head over to bobasandpace.com, drop in your email, and you’re in—totally free. You’ll be the first to hear about this huge announcement during World Championship week. Lots of energy—let’s do this!”

It seems he was gearing up for the 2024 UWW U20 World Championships, set to take place September 2-8 in Pontevedra, Spain. Unfortunately, instead of the enthusiasm he anticipated, he was met with a wave of criticism.

One fan even took things too far by insulting him, saying, “Bo, is it true you repeated kindergarten because you couldn’t spell your first name?” This kind of online hate can have severe consequences for athletes, especially young ones. It can lead to mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.

Studies show that exposure to online harassment can lead to increased stress levels and a decline in overall well-being. For instance, research published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking highlights that victims of online abuse often experience a significant drop in self-esteem and social functioning. Furthermore, persistent exposure to hateful content can contribute to a toxic online environment that reinforces negative attitudes and behaviors, potentially inciting further aggression and conflict. Despite the negativity, Justin Basch stepped up to share more about Bo Bassett’s idea.

Justin’s strong stand against unwarranted criticism faced by Bo Bassett

Bo Bassett’s idea is to highlight his exceptional marketing skills. Justin Basch praised Bassett for setting a benchmark that college and senior-level wrestlers should take note of as he is putting on a show. He’s leveraging a domain and website for email blasts, timing his announcements around relevant events, capitalizing on recruiting hype, and controlling the news. This approach reflects Bassett’s unconventional style, not just in marketing but also in how he handles his recruiting process.

One fan criticized Justin by saying, “+ making the sport’s entire fanbase hate him.” In response, Justin firmly stated, “Na. Anyone who hates Bo Bassett, a 17 year old kid, simply because he’s marketing himself and looking out for his future, has way too much hate in their heart.”

Justin’s reply was a significant point: attacking a young athlete for simply trying to build a future is a reflection of misplaced negativity. Bo Bassett, at just 17, faces enough challenges without enduring unwarranted hostility. Support and encouragement, rather than criticism, are crucial for young talents like Bo Bassett navigating their careers.