What does it take to be a great athlete? Payton O’Donnell says “I believe you must try your best every day and and have a good mindset going into everything you do.” Payton is a freshman at Elgin High School. She participates in cross country, track and field, gymnastics, choir, Multicultural Club, and National Junior Honor Society. She started with gymnastics when she was only a year and a half old, but moved into cross country and track and field in the 8th grade.
Sports have taught Payton about hard work, organization, integrity, responsibility, and dedication. She got started in gymnastics by her parents after being a rambunctious toddler who was constantly flipping around the house. Her favorite part about the sports that she participates in is competing with her teammates and cheering them on. Payton’s favorite subject is English, because she enjoys reading and writing. Her favorite teachers are Mr. Moore and Mrs. Bucher, because she was always excited to go to their classes and they made learning fun. After high school, Payton plans to pursue a degree that she can use to help animals.
Payton’s highest moment in her career was when she won co-champion on the balance beam for USAG Level 6 at states. She has also won the Mimosa Sports Scholarship, got second at state on the bars, finished top six at the first two cross country meets that she attended, and made the Junior High All-Region choir in 2023 and 2024. Her favorite moment was when her team won Most Positive Team at the Maggie Nichols gymnastics competition.
Payton’s biggest role model is Simone Biles for making a come back after not competing for a few years. Her biggest positive impact has been her mom, for pushing her to be a better person and to always do her best. Her advice to her fellow athletes is to trust the process and always believe in yourself.
By Ariel Casida
