THORNTON, Colo. — Most 15-year-olds this time of year are still figuring out where each of their classrooms are. 15-year-old Payten Hutto is focused on perfecting her form, speed and checklist for Italy before she leaves for the World Skate Games.
"[I am] excited to be one of those people that I used to look up when I was younger," Hutto said. "Skating with the girls I used to look up to when I was only seven, it’s crazy. Very nervous but honored to be on the team and get a chance at this."
In her first year of eligibility, Hutto qualified for Team USA's inline skate team. She's one of three set to compete at world championships this month.
"First year to be able to skate at the world level and making it is crazy," Hutto said.
Hutto said she began skating when she was seven. She said the hobby quickly turned into a sport for her.
"Just went to [a] skating session, skate session, just in rollerblades. [I was] just going to have fun and there were speed skaters and they had their own special race to show off the speed team and bring more people on," Hutto explained. "So I tried it out. Couple practices and I fell in love with it and just stuck to it."
Hutto said the process to make Team USA includes competing in other national season tournaments, scoring enough points and receiving medals. She said she was nervous going into outdoor nationals earlier this year where she was skating to qualify.
"I wasn’t completely confident in myself because I’m one of the youngest out there, if not the youngest, trying out for Team USA," Hutto said. "Going into the races, I felt a bit nervous. But once we got mid-way through the long races, I was like, 'Okay, I can do this.'"
Hutto said going into the competition, she's prioritizing staying calm and appreciating the moment.
"Just have fun with it, honestly," Hutto said. "Just telling myself this first year, first time at Worlds, experience, learn for next year so I can perform better next year and know what I’m going into if I possibly make team."
There 156 world championship titles up for grabs. Hutto said she'll use all the advice she's gained from her coaches and mentors over the years to fuel her.
"I love it, honestly," Hutto said. "I love the community. I love meeting new people [and] they’re such amazing people. I’ve made so many great connections with friends and coaches and honestly, it’s such an honor."
Hutto prefers long-distance races, so she'll be participating in the marathon race. She may compete in other races depending on her other teammates and their conditions in Italy.
After Worlds, there's no rest of Hutto. She's set to compete in Florida at a marathon race in October.
Hutto's mother, Cassandra, said her daughter's dream is to compete at the Olympics in speed skating on the ice.