Payton Otterdahl is on the Road to Tokyo

Quick Hits

Sport: Track & Field, Shot Put

Personal Best (Outdoor): 22.59 m

Hometown: Rosemount, Minnesota

Education: North Dakota State University

ASICS Athlete Since: 2024

In just a few days, Payton Otterdahl will step into the throwing circle at the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships. It isn’t his first time standing on the world’s stage; he made his Olympic debut in 2021, earned a top-five finish at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, and finished fourth overall in Paris 2024. Now, he’s taking his shot at the podium as he aims for his first major championship medal.

Growing up, Payton’s family encouraged him to try a range of sports, including track & field. "I found out quickly that I didn't enjoy running," he says, "I had a natural ability to throw, and I stuck with it.” His dreams of being an Olympian became possible during his fourth year in college, where he set an all-time collegiate record of 21.85 m. Today, he’s ranked third overall in the men's outdoor shot put.

Off the field, his personality shines on YouTube and Instagram (@p.train_throws), where his over-50k followers can see snapshots of his journey to Tokyo. Although he’s a natural in front of the camera (add dancing while lifting dumbbells to his long list of talents), he doesn’t take credit for the final cut. “I'm very fortunate to have a very loving and helpful wife for all my social media,” he says, “she is the one creating and putting out all the content, so I can stay focused on shot put."

Since his last appearance at the World Athletics Championships, Payton's training plan has stayed consistent, but his mindset has evolved. "My training philosophy has not changed much in the last two years. I still give it my all every day," he says. "What has changed, however, is my confidence in my ability as a shot putter. I have less self-doubt, and more confidence in myself."

That confidence helps Payton embrace the Sound Mind, Sound Body philosophy: "I believe that the mind is just as powerful as the body when it comes to sport. If both aren't in sync or finely tuned and trained, you can't be at your best. They go hand in hand."

On competition day, he’ll keep his preparation simple. "I don't have too many rituals besides doing a light shakeout and going for a walk about 4 hours before I compete," he says, although there's one important exception: "I do have to make sure that I like the socks that I compete in."

Join us in cheering on Payton and the rest of our ASICS Athletes at the World Athletics Championships!