Years ago, a dream took shape—a dream to represent my country with power, grace, and camaraderie. It’s a dream shared by many, but achieved by few. My name is Darryl Payne, Jr., and I’m an American Skeleton athlete and sprinter/hurdler, aspiring to earn a spot on the United States Olympic Team.
My journey into Skeleton began with a nationwide call from the U.S. Olympic Committee for athletes to try out as the “Next Olympic Hopeful.” I was initially selected as a fully funded Bobsledder, but my frame didn’t match the mass typically needed to launch a bobsled down the track. Still, I proved I could compete—and excel—among elite athletes, regardless of size. Recognizing my potential, the Head Coach of USA Bobsled offered me an unfunded spot at Skeleton School in Lake Placid, New York. It was there I discovered that Skeleton was the perfect fit for my build and strengths. The more time I spent on the ice, the more promise this path held.
By the end of Skeleton School, I competed in the Rookie Push Championship and placed second—after just one week in the sport.
I’ve been a Sprinter since the age of seven and built a successful track career through high school and won titles with Baylor University. I’ve set race records in Louisiana and earned titles like Austin’s 2nd Fittest Man and Overall Male Winner at the True Athlete Games. But skeleton has introduced new challenges—mentally, physically, and financially.
My ultimate goal: the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.
To date, no African American man has ever represented the U.S. in skeleton at the Winter Olympics. Achieving that would not only fulfill my dream but allow me to serve as a role model for younger minority generations who may not see themselves in this sport—or even know it exists. Becoming a pioneer and a source of inspiration for my community would be one of the greatest honors of all.