HOUSTON – The 2025 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior Olympic Games are wrapping up in Houston and the energy is still electric!
Over the past 12 days, more than 16,000 athletes, ages 8 to 18, have competed in 15 sports, making this one of the largest youth sporting events in the nation.
This year marked the 59th Games and the fourth time Houston has hosted. (And the Games are coming back in 2027 and 2031!)
Fast Facts:
- Hosted in 31 cities across 19 states since 1967
- Houston has hosted in 2012, 2016, 2021, and 2025
- The 2021 Houston Games drew 15,000+ participants and $53M in economic impact, per Houston Sports Authority
- This year’s Games are projected to bring in up to $75 million to Houston
- Track and Field is the largest event — with 12,000+ athletes and dozens of records broken annually
While the event draws talent from across the country, it’s the local athletes making major waves this year. KPRC 2’s Zorrie Jones caught up with rising stars from Greater Houston — proving the next generation of track champions is being trained right here at home.
Meet our local standouts
Mia & Mariah Maxwell – Humble, TX
Twin sisters on the track! AAU highlights Mia and Mariah as two of the biggest names in Texas track history. Competing in the 100m and 200m, their résumés already include multiple state championships. These sisters aren’t just fast — they’re fierce, focused, and flying past the finish line.
Fun fact: Mariah has an ear for both classical and rap music — a combo as dynamic as her speed on the track. Mia says her bond with Mariah is unbreakable — not just sisters, but best friends and biggest supporters.
Braylin Byrd – Tomball, TX
For Braylin, this year is bittersweet but exciting. The high school senior is competing in his final AAU Games — and after years of hard work, he’s ready to take his talents to Texas Tech, where he’ll continue turning heads at the next level.
Fun fact: Braylin’s not just fast — he’s got a serious love for sneakers, with a standout shoe collection that keeps him looking sharp on and off the track.
Kylah Woods – Missouri City, TX
A state runner-up in the 100m sprint, Kylah brings the heat to Turner Stadium. Her focus and determination make her a standout — not just at the Junior Olympics, but in the seasons to come.
Fun fact: Kylah’s all about good eats — her favorites? Seafood and wings.
More than just competition
The event isn’t just about competition — it’s about community, excellence, and opportunity. From college student volunteers to future Olympians, the AAU Junior Olympics bring people together in powerful ways.
A launchpad for legends
AAU Junior Olympic Games alumni include some of the biggest names in sports:
- Sydney McLaughlin - Track and Field
- Noah Lyles - Track and Field
- Carl Lewis - Track and Field
- Kevin Durant - Basketball (Houston Rockets)
- Shaquille O’Neal - Basketball
- A’ja Wilson - Basketball (Las Vegas Aces)
- Hailey Hernandez - Swimming
Who knows… the next Olympic great may have competed in this year’s games. And if they’re from the Greater Houston area, we’ll be cheering even louder.
