Lubbock family enjoying mini-Olympics in their own front yard

LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) - As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw to a close this Sunday, one Lubbock family has had the Olympic spirit on full display on their own front lawn.

“Just about once a day, we bring the bar out and they can do flips and tricks,” says Tayler Poyner, mother of three “Children’s Olympians,” and aunt to three others.

They’ve set up a kid-friendly gymnastics bar next to a portable radio that plays the Olympic Fanfare before the kids perform their tricks. Inside the house, the aspiring gymnasts also conduct the floor exercise.

“We are doing flips, and we are going to do some on the floor,” said Tayler’s daughter Hannah, who is soon to enter fourth grade. She is also a part of two gymnasiums in Lubbock.

Tayler has been connected to the Olympic Games for most of her life. She lived in Utah when the Winter edition was held in Salt Lake City back in 2002.

“It’s a really cool time to watch the world come together, and kind of having a neutral ground in some sports,” she says.

As for the kids, this summer Olympic quest isn’t just limited to gymnastics.

“We’ve been going to the pool, doing flips on the bar, riding our bikes,” said Cadence, a third-grader in the family.

“I like doing gymnastics, T-ball, and basketball,” said Addy, another future athlete.

And the family’s Olympic program also extends to the track.

“When it’s a little cooler, my kids will race up and down the sidewalk,” Tayler said.

In the next few days, the kids will all be back to school. However, this home-grown event gives them a “gold medal ending.”

“We’re ready for school, but we’ve had a really fun summer! Lots of just playing outside- even in the heat,” Tayler says. “Hopefully one day, they’ll be able to pursue their own dreams.”