Could Your Home Help Your Kid Be an Olympian?
Looking to nurture a future sports star or just get your kid up and moving? Take some coaching from these homes
A tug-at-your-heartstrings "Thank you, Mom" commercial airing during the Olympics celebrates the dedication of sports moms all over the world. It got me thinking, what if you could set the stage for sports right at home to nurture budding swimmers, gymnasts, archers or divers? Who knows, maybe these additions in the home will ignite your child's inner Olympian. At the very least, they set the stage for fun, active days, which is really the point, isn't it?
Precision, strength and agility are necessary in the Olympic sports of trampoline and synchronized diving. Let the kids flip and jump on a subground trampoline in the backyard like this one, and they could be well on their way to activity-filled summer days under the sun — and maybe to the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The owners of this traditional home in Nevada installed an in-ground trampoline amid their backyard's synthetic turf — perfect for future Olympians and peeking into the neighbor's backyard.
Some see a well-manicured lawn that's just right for entertaining. But I see a perfect place to do cartwheels, sprints and perhaps even enough room to set up target archery practice.
This shed-turned-pavilion for family activities makes the family room fun again and would satisfy any thrill-seeking girl or boy. Those ring sets could really do wonders for the next Olympic gymnast.
Ryan Lochte, 2012 gold medalist, started swimming at a young age thanks to his dad, a swim coach. Lucky for the Lochtes, they spent most of their time in Florida, where there are plenty of indoor and outdoor swimming pools.
For the owners of this contemporary Seattle home, an indoor pool is a better option for the weather of Washington state.
For the owners of this contemporary Seattle home, an indoor pool is a better option for the weather of Washington state.
This Park Avenue kids' bedroom includes loads of built-in storage space for books, trophies and toys. It also has a rock-climbing wall, a punching bag and a mini basketball court.
If the room doesn't cultivate a little Olympian in the making, then at the very least, the boys living in the space are bound to be more active and have fun.
If the room doesn't cultivate a little Olympian in the making, then at the very least, the boys living in the space are bound to be more active and have fun.
Women's boxing has had a tough journey into the Olympic stadium, but this year 36 women will compete in a sport usually reserved for the glorification of men's power and physique.
This punching bag corner in an Atlanta loft's home gym has broad appeal; the concrete floor and dark hues speak a masculine language, but the tufted leather bench with cabriole legs and gloves on top softens the space and lends a feminine touch. The gym could work for both Mom and Dad — and what better way to show the kids gender equality than letting both parents have a go at the bag?
This punching bag corner in an Atlanta loft's home gym has broad appeal; the concrete floor and dark hues speak a masculine language, but the tufted leather bench with cabriole legs and gloves on top softens the space and lends a feminine touch. The gym could work for both Mom and Dad — and what better way to show the kids gender equality than letting both parents have a go at the bag?
The soccer mural above these beds acts as a kind of dream catcher for the boys in this modern New York kids' bedroom. As many athletes know, visualizing the next goal, perfect landing or record-setting swim is key.
The builders of this multisport court, part of a large contemporary home in Vancouver, have given active minds and bodies different sporting options. Basketball and volleyball are the obvious sports to play here, but the area also makes for a great mini handball arena.
More:
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More:
Set Rooms Racing With Olympics Style Decor
Make Your Home a Champion Olympics Viewing Platform