East County Athlete of the Week: Payton Mangay-Ayam

Braden River junior helps weightlifting team win its third consecutive Class 3A District 12 title.


Payton Mangay-Ayam helped propel the Braden River High girls varsity weightlifting team to its third straight title with individual wins in the 154-pound weight class at the Class 2A District 12 meet on Jan. 23.
Payton Mangay-Ayam helped propel the Braden River High girls varsity weightlifting team to its third straight title with individual wins in the 154-pound weight class at the Class 2A District 12 meet on Jan. 23.
Photo by Dylan Campbell
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Payton Mangay-Ayam is a junior on the Braden River High girls varsity weightlifting team. At the Class 3A District 12 meet at Lemon Bay High Jan. 23, Mangay-Ayam was crowned the individual champion in the Olympic and Traditional 154-pound class, recording a 150-pound snatch and a 200-pound clean and jerk. Mangay-Ayam will next compete at the 2A Region 3 Regional Championship on Jan. 29 at Wesley Chapel's Cypress Creek High. 


When did you start weightlifting and why?

I started weightlifting during my freshman year. I’d just quit gymnastics after a nasty injury and was introduced to the girls weightlifting team during our sports orientation at school. I thought it looked like fun, so I gave it a try.


What’s the appeal?

I love the environment and the competitive aspect of it.


What's your best lift?

Definitely the clean and jerk. The snatch has a lot of techniques that I’m still working on.


What’s your favorite weightlifting memory?

Going to states my freshman year. It was amazing just to be there and I finished seventh. 


What’s your favorite food?

Pasta. I like pasta with Alfredo sauce and mac and cheese. 


What’s your favorite movie or television show?

My favorite show is “Grey’s Anatomy.” I love medical dramas. 


What’s your favorite school subject?

Science. I’m taking Anatomy right now. I love learning about how the body works, in college I think I want to major in something related to it.  


What are your hobbies?

When I’m not lifting weights, I’m in the athletic training room shadowing the athletic trainer. I’m interested in working in that field. 


What's the best advice that you've received?

When things get hard, don’t get too down on yourself. Always pick yourself back up.


Finish this sentence. Payton Mangay-Ayam is…

Confident. 

 

author

Dylan Campbell

Dylan Campbell is the sports reporter for the East County and Sarasota/Siesta Key Observers.

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