AWWWW. We asked and our readers responded with sweet and inspiring pictures of kids doing the sports they love. After watching the Olympics and seeing the dedication it takes to become a competitive athlete, it's fun to see where a passion for sports all begins—in childhood! Here Aiden, from Redmond, discovers his new passion this summer: lacrosse!
At age 4, Alexi, who has Down syndrome, used a walker. But he so wanted to keep up with his teammates that one day on the field, he walked right out of his walker and never looked back, says his mom.
Alexi at age 7. He lives in Kent and plays soccer in Federal Way.
The High Voltage Track Club of South Seattle at the recent National Junior Olympics in Baltimore, where they took 4th in the nation in their 4 x 100 relay, secured the Region 13 record, and received All-American Honors. From left to right: Sanae, Aliyah, Ka'Ella, Talia.
Swimmers Amelie from Haller Lake, left, and her friend Mari.
Estella from Haller Lake making her first basket on the nine-foot hoop.
Max, from Kent, loves martial arts!
Identical twins Gavin and Dimitri currently play for West Seattle Soccer Club. Their mom says they love sports and will try them all!
Spencer recently competed in the Junior Olympics in Houston, Texas, in the sport of speed stacking and earned a silver medal and a fourth place ribbon. Spencer got into speed stacking on a team at his school, Lake Tapps Elementary, and has been enjoying it ever since.
Five-year-old Ty Jason has enjoyed playing T-Ball. It has helped him to be more confident, and he has made a lot of friends in the process, says his mom.
Mikaela, 11, of South Seattle, making the qualifying time for the Southern Division Finals meet.
Seven-year-old Blaise swims for Shoreline Gators swim club, where he loves the camaraderie of a team and gets to improve his individual skills, too.
Kyler, from Shoreline, has been a bowler since he learned to walk. He plays on a league and has learned good sportsmanship and that winning isn't everything.
Lola, from Ballard, was nervous to try soccer but finally gave it a go on a team with her friends. She's getting ready for a super fun fall season.
Isaac prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics at The Creative Dance Center in Shoreline, Washington.
Neko, 3, of Vashon Island, says she's going to win a medal in the Olympics one day.
A big thanks to all our readers who submitted photos of their mini Olympians! For more Olympics and athletic ideas check out our stories on:
- The forgotten Olympic sports your child wants to try, and where to find them
- Sports injuries and how to protect your child while they do what they love
- How Special Olympics teach lessons beyond sports
