March 2024 | Vol. 11 Iss. 3
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SOJO’S GRACIE OTTO HAS AMBITIOUS, OLYMPIC DREAMS By Julie Slama | j.slama@mycityjournals.com
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ew people have goals set for the year. According to U.S. News and World Report, about 80% of people lose their resolve and motivation in February after setting new year’s resolutions. Even fewer people have goals for five years out or even have a 10-year plan. But a 24-year-old South Jordan resident does, and she wants to be on the world’s stage. Gracie Otto is a skeleton racer. She will jump onto her sled, her face just inches away from the track as she looks ahead at the icy path. Her shoulders and legs control the direction of the sled, making the best line on each of the curves. Otto has a plan for each day, each season, each year. Ultimately, she’d like to race in the Winter Olympic Games in 2030 or 2034. “I would love to make that happen, and especially on our home track, that would be amazing,” she said. Otto knows she has work ahead of her. “USA bobsled and skeleton has a push standard for athletes to qualify for each race circuit. I’m working on trying to meet the stan-
dard,” she said. “Next year, I want to start competing in the North American Cup. Then I’ll make my way up to the European Cup and the World Cup.” This March, the 5-foot-3 racer will submit her analytics, including her 40-yard dash time, her vertical jump, her long jump and other statistics, in hopes of an invitation to the national rookie camp in New York. Otto knows her goals are ambitious; she’s willing to work for them. “I have my eye on trying to make it to Lake Placid next season,” she said. “My coaches are telling me I should totally strive for that. They’re supportive and remind me that I’ll get there; it just takes time. I’m training hard and hope Team USA will recognize and move me forward.” Otto didn’t grow up racing skeleton, just going down a steep hill in the Daybreak community. Continued page 24 Hillcrest High alumna Gracie Otto is training in hopes of qualifying to compete in next year’s North American Cup. (Photo courtesy of Cece Otto)
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