Lincoln County cross country/boys track coach Jose Pope has a message for track fans about Lincoln seventh-grader Abby Bastin.
“All I can say is if you get the chance to watch her run, do not miss the opportunity,” said Pope, a former track standout at Danville High School, said. “This girl not only has made a name for herself here locally but has done so statewide now.”
Did she ever. Bastin won the Middle School Dream Mile at Assumption High School in Louisville last week in dominant fashion. She finished in 5 minutes, 11.57 seconds — almost five seconds faster than second-place Leah Pence of Crosby Middle School. Bastin led the race that featured this year’s 16 fastest middle school runners from start to finish.
According to Lincoln officials, Bastin’s time is the fifth-fastest time in state history posted by a middle school girl. She is ranked first in Kentucky for all middle school runners for both the 1,600- and 800-meter runs and eighth in the nation for the class of 2026.
Bastin, the daughter of Melanie and Nick Bastin of Stanford, has set met records this season at the Danville all-comers and Lincoln all-comers in the 800-meter run and the 1,600 at the Patriot Games as well as the Lincoln all-comers.
Her season-best time of 5:09.76 in the 1,600 this year ranks third in the state in Class AA. Same for her 2:20.09 in the 800. She already holds the school record in the 1,600 and ranks second in the 800 behind current teammate Lucy Singleton.
Bastin won the Salt River Conference Championship (middle school) in the 1,600 and 800 while setting conference records in both events May 10.
She will be competing again Saturday at Lincoln County (the meet starts at 10 a.m.)
Lincoln girls track coach Missy Slone thinks bigger things are coming for Bastin.
“I have had the opportunity of coaching Abby since her track career began in elementary school. Abby is an exceptional runner who works hard on and off the track every day,” Slone said. “When she isn’t training with me and the track team, she is training off the track alongside her dad.”
Pope watched Bastin’s talent during cross country season and understands how lucky Lincoln is to have her.
“As a coach, you only get the honor of knowing these kids for such a short time. In the four years, I have been Abby’s (cross country)coach, I’ve watched her become a tremendous athlete,” Pope said.
“There has never been a race or event I’ve put her in that she hasn’t dominated. It was no surprise to me to see her win the Middle School Dream Mile. Abby has the determination to be an Olympic athlete one day.”