Athlete Spotlight – Payton Richardson

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Athlete Spotlight features [player_tooltip player_id='4719' first='Payton' last='Richardson']; a class of 2028 gymnast from Olympia Chesterfield in Missouri. Payton is a beautiful gymnast with a fun personality. We were able to connect about her start in gymnastics, life in the gym, and what she's looking for in a college gymnastics program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How did you get your start in gymnastics?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I was basically a tiny daredevil. I climbed up everything, jumped off everything, and apparently had no concept of “don't do that.” I started walking at 9 months old and figured out how to climb out of my crib shortly after, so my parents decided that gymnastics might be a good sport for me. I started gymnastics classes when I was 2 years old and never looked back</em>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who has helped you the most get to the level you are now?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>My parents have helped me the most to get to where I am today. They have always pushed me to be the best person and gymnast I can be, while supporting and encouraging me every step of the way. They've been there through the good days and the tough days! They've always reminded me to work hard, stay positive, and never give up.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is your favorite event and why?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Bars is my favorite event because I love the feeling of being in the air and just swinging! I also love trying new upgrades and challenging myself to learn new skills. There's just something about flying through the air that I love. But when it comes to competing, Beam is definitely my favorite. I love the adrenaline rush and the feeling of being completely locked in. I'm definitely an adrenaline junkie!</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is your favorite skill or connection? (on any event)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>My favorite skill on Bars is definitely a Bail to handstand and my favorite skill on Beam is my front Pike toss.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What keeps you motivated?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Seeing success and reaching goals.  Over the last couple years my gymnastics has continued to grow.  I can see the results of my hard work, and it makes me want to push harder.  I want to max out my abilities and see how far I can go. </em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What's most important to you when looking at colleges to continue your gymnastics career?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Culture is probably one of my biggest priorities.  In one of my calls with a college earlier this year, they talked about looking for athletes that want to do hard things.  I never thought of it like that, and it stuck with me.  I love to do hard things; I want a team and a coaching staff that will push us all to do that.  Finally, I want it to be like home…in a good culture I think you get all of this and that's what I'm looking for.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What do you like to do when you're not in the gym?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I love to do nails, hang out with my friends and go to football games. I also like to hike and nap a lot.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is the most important thing you've learned from gymnastics?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Growth takes time and trust the process, because it's not always easy and you don't always get the skill the first time. You just have to persevere and not give up. </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>How have other gymnasts/coaches impacted your career?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>My teammates always make it fun to come to practice. They impact me in a lot of ways.  Telling me hard truths when I need it and being there when I just need encouragement.  We spend so much time together in the gym and we are all best friends.  I love my coaches and owe them so much for all they have done for me.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>What is something our readers should know about you?</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>I am a Christian and love Jesus!!  I also have an obsession with Star Wars.  Music is a necessity in my life, I'm not the best singer but I love to jam out in my car with my windows down.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payton is poised for a standout Junior season and I am excited to see what she will accomplish. Thanks, Payton, for your time and good luck this season and beyond!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->