Amanda Otto

Amanda Otto is an American musher and sled dog racer. In 2022, she made her rookie run with a team of Alaskan huskies in the Iditarod, and in 2023, placed second in the Yukon Quest, where she was cited by race organizers and race veterinarians, in a rare unanimous decision, for exemplary treatment of her dogs.

Early life and education Otto grew up in Pocatello and Victor, Idaho. At age 8 she had her first experience with mushing at the American Dog Derby. She participated in dog agility competitions.

Her family moved to Idaho's Teton Valley, where she graduated from Teton High School in 2012. and planned to play professionally until an injury ended her soccer career. Under his mentorship, she raced in the Copper Basin 300, the Willow 300, and the Alpine 200 in 2021 to qualify for the Iditarod. Her team was in such good condition at the end of the race, still yelping and pulling, that she was awarded the Vet's Choice Award for exemplary treatment of her dogs by the race organizers and veterinary team in the first unanimous decision in race history. On March 13, nine days, 18 hours, 24 minutes, and 33 seconds after the official start in Willow, Otto finished the race in eighth place with 12 dogs. Of the 29 mushers who finished, Otto was among four women who finished in the top 10, the most in Iditarod history. For her eighth-place finish, Otto took home $27,450 in winnings.