Stephen F. Austin deaf track standout Jarvis Anderson inspires with run to NCAA championships

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- "He's so well-loved. His presence for the program is just unparalleled," Stephen F. Austin track coach Robert Hansen said when it comes to Jarvis Anderson.

It's not often you hear coaches talk like that about their athletes, but it's easy for Hansen when it comes to Anderson.

The standout from Taylor, Texas, just set the program record in the 400-meter hurdles, and Anderson has qualified to run against the best in the nation at next week's NCAA Championships.

"He's an amazing, amazing athlete," Hansen said.

Anderson is also deaf. His success is an inspiration to everyone who knows him.

"Just the amount of time he puts into his teammates. He calls them his family," Hansen said. "Just the hard work and dedication, the focus he has on his craft."

When ABC13 sat down with Anderson in 2025 before a meet at Rice, he told Eyewitness News his goal is to run in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

"I want to show them deaf people can do things," Anderson said then. "Deaf people can do anything they want to do."

Anderson proves it with much more than his tremendous success in the 400-meter hurdles. He's also an all-conference performer in the triple jump and runs in the relays whenever his team needs him.

The challenges Anderson faces on the track begin with the starter's pistol. Anderson explained he can't always hear that sound, so he asks for the "loud" pistol so he can start with everyone else. The challenges he's faced off the track are more serious.

"I've experienced hearing people bullying me or teasing me or ignoring me," Anderson said. "But I've always tried to focus on what I can. And count my blessings."

He'll have a chance to add to those blessings when he runs in the NCAA 400 meter semi-finals on Wednesday. The finals are set for Friday. The next remarkable chapter in Jarvis Anderson's story awaits in Eugene, Oregon.