Payton Jacobson, a Greco-Roman wrestler representing Northern Michigan University, secured his spot on the U.S. Olympic team for the 2024 Paris Games in the 87 kg weight class. He earned his place by winning the best-of-three finals against Spencer Woods during the U.S. Olympic Trials held at Penn State University.
Jacobson, 21, hails from Elkhorn, Wisconsin, and has been training extensively, including overseas in Croatia and Hungary, as well as at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. Jacobson’s Olympic wrestling matches in Paris are scheduled for August 7 and 8, 2024.
Payton Jacobson’s family: Who are his parents? Siblings
Payton Jacobson’s parents are Aaron and Sheri Jacobson. He has a sister named Laura Crost. Payton Jacobson’s parents are from the suburbs of Chicago. His mother named him after the American football legend Walter Payton, who was a beloved figure in Chicago.
He wrestled folkstyle at Elkhorn High School in Wisconsin before transitioning to Greco-Roman wrestling full-time at Northern Michigan University.
When and where was Payton Jacobson born? Age, high school, nationality

Payton Jacobson was born on November 4, 2002, in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, making him 21 years old. He attended Elkhorn High School, where he initially wrestled in folkstyle before transitioning to Greco-Roman wrestling. Payton is an American athlete representing the United States in Greco-Roman wrestling, currently competing in the 87 kg weight class.
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How did Payton Jacobson make his career in wrestling?
Payton Jacobson started wrestling in folk style at Elkhorn High School in Wisconsin. He excelled in high school wrestling but switched to Greco-Roman after discovering it fit his talents and interests.
Folkstyle wrestling at Elkhorn High School gave Jacobson a solid foundation in wrestling tactics and competitiveness. Jacobson fell in love with Greco-Roman wrestling and chose to pursue it full-time. He chose Northern Michigan University, which boasts one of the nation’s few full Greco-Roman programs.
His Greco-Roman wrestling passion led him to international training camps and contests. He trained and battled against top international opponents in Estonia and the Czech Republic, refining his talents.
Northern Michigan University gave Jacobson support and great training partners. He represented the U.S. at the U23 and U20 World Championships and gained experience.
After working hard, Jacobson won the 87 kg U.S. Olympic Trials and made the 2024 Paris Games squad. His trial performance, particularly a convincing win against Spencer Woods, showed his progress and readiness for top-level competition.
Jacobson’s career includes his high school achievements, deliberate switch to Greco-Roman wrestling, and tireless pursuit of perfection via international experience and university training. Talent, effort, and strategic judgments have made him a great athlete.
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