Payton compteted in Cary, North Carolina during the week long competiton representing the state of Georgia along with other top swimmers chosen at the 2016 14U Long Course Championship meet held at GA Tech Aquatic Center the weekend of July 14-17th. Payton secured her spot on the Zone Team with her first place finishes in the 50 M freestyle, 100M freestyle and the 100M Butterfly. She placed second in three other events (200M Free, 50M Fly, 200MFly). Overall Payton compteted in 9 events placing in the top 7 of each event for the 11/12 age group. USA Swimming is divided into 4 zones. In the Southern Zone there are 11 states from Texas to West Virginia and south through Florida.

The top swimmers from each Local Swim Committee met in Cary, NC at the championship from August 3-6th. Payton competed in 6 total events and qualified for finals in 4 events. In each of those events she place in the top 5 swimmers. Payton’s top finishes were in the 50M Backstroke and the 100M Free where she placed 3. Payton swam the anchor leg of the 400 Freesyle Relay with 3 of her teammates where they finished first place setting a new Southern Zone Record. Payton would like to thank Larry Lykins, Gilmer County Parks and Recreation swim coach, for introducing her to the sport. Payton currently swim for Coach Jason Meszaros with Carpet Capital Aquatic Club in Dalton, GA.