Payton’s Tkatchev is one to see. Her aggressive tap and release make her float high above the bar. Her release height allows her to see the bar as she catches which makes for great consistency and ability to connect to a high to low bar release, if desired. In addition to her Tkatchev, Payton has been training a Deltchev. Her form in this unique release is outstanding. Similar to her Tkatchev, the height and extension she has when catching the bar would make any high to low bar connection a breeze.

Payton Richardson, class of 2028, from Olympia Chesterfield, is an athlete who is perfectly poised for a breakout this summer, thanks to her consistency and ability to add difficulty across the events. She stands out with a consistent Yurchenko layout vault that has huge potential to be upgraded, while her beam is packed with difficulty, precision, and clean lines. With a solid foundation and clear ability for progression, Richardson is one to watch as she continues to elevate this summer.