Darryl Payne Jr.

The Barracuda Foundation is proud to partner with Team USA Skeleton member and 2026 Olympic Hopeful, Darryl Payne Jr.

Darryl has been in pursuit for a spot on the United States Olympic Team since the year before the 2008 Olympic Games. He has a dream to represent the US in a way that presents power, grace, and camaraderie.

Darryl has been competing in track and field for 20 years. He was a sprinter and hurdler at Baylor University with a goal to represent the USA in Rio. After missing the cut Darryl refused to relinquish his Olympic dreams and continued training. He sought out the wisdom of the best coach in Acadiana, studied biomechanics associated with sprints and hurdles, nutrition and the regimens and persistence of professional athletes both current and historically.

In 2017 Darryl was identified for his skeleton potential at the USA Olympic Committee scouting combine. Today Darryl is in Austin, TX training with a brilliant coaching team and continuing his journey of his dream in 3 sports; Track and Field, Skeleton, & Olympic Weightlifting.

You can learn more about Darryl and his journey to his Olympic dream on his
website darrylpaynejr.com.

Darryl Payne Jr. is a 2026 Olympic hopeful and
in Skeleton!