Women's Track & Field | May 20, 2025

MORROW, Ga. -- At just 17 years old, Bahamian sprinter Payton Knowles is already making a name for herself on the collegiate track and field stage at Clayton State University.

A native of the Bahamas, Knowles made a bold move to Georgia to pursue both her academic and athletic dreams, a transition that came with its share of adjustments. New surroundings, a different culture, and heightened expectations might have overwhelmed some, but Payton embraced the challenge. With the strong guidance of her coach, Coach Chris Brown, and the unwavering support of the Clayton State community, she quickly adapted and began to thrive.

"It was definitely a big change coming from the Bahamas to the U.S.," Knowles shares. "However, everyone here from my teammates to the staff, made it feel like home pretty quickly. Coach Brown has been instrumental in helping me grow, not just as an athlete but as a person."

Knowles is known for her tireless work ethic and relentless pursuit of excellence. During the offseason, she trains with a purpose, committing to long, demanding workouts and maintaining a strict schedule in the gym. Her training philosophy centers around consistency, discipline, and mental toughness, qualities that have already started to pay off in a major way.

She currently holds school records in both the outdoor 4x100m and 4x200m relays at Clayton State, which is an impressive feat for any athlete, let alone one still in her teens. But Payton is not satisfied with just holding records, she's determined to break her own PRs and continue setting new benchmarks for future athletes to chase.

"Records are meant to be broken," she says with a confident smile. "I know I can go faster, and that's what I'm training for every single day."

One of the most defining moments of her young career came when she competed in the prelims of the CARIFTA Games, one of the Caribbean's most prestigious track and field competitions. Representing her home country as the youngest athlete on the roster was a proud and humbling experience that cemented her passion for the sport and reaffirmed her commitment to improving.

"Wearing the Bahamian colors and competing against some of the best young athletes in the region was an incredible honor. It gave me a glimpse of what's possible if I stay focused and keep pushing."

Looking ahead, Knowles has big dreams of eventually qualifying for the CARIFTA games, representing the Bahamas on even bigger international stages, and continuing to excel in her collegiate career. With her natural talent, unshakeable drive, and the strong support system surrounding her, there's little doubt that she's on track to become one of the standout sprinters of her generation.

For now, she remains grounded, focused on the next practice, the next meet, and the next personal best. Because for Payton Knowles, this journey is only just beginning, and the finish line is nowhere in sight.

Be sure to follow Clayton State Athletics, "South Atlanta's College Team" on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.