If you think getting into gymnastics can be a costly affair for your kids, think again. Why do you ask? Well, it seems one American hall of fame gymnast has taken it upon herself to bridge the gap for youngsters with a love for the mat. Not to mention, the epicenter of this new change is none other than the Harlem Armory. The NYC institution has been the ground zero for innumerable gymnasts for nearly 25 years now. But what is motivating the Hall of Famer to do all this? And why Harlem Armory specifically?

Well, the Harlem Armory has successfully imparted gymnastics knowledge to 27000 kids worldwide so far. What’s more? If a budding gymnast is deemed talented enough, the Harlem Armory is there to support them with scholarships! So, who is this mystery Hall of Famer woman creating magic in New York City? Well, it’s none other than Wendy Hilliard. Launching her gymnastics foundation, Hilliard stresses giving out gymnastics lessons to young ones at as little expense as possible. 

And while she has successfully done so for this many years, Hilliard cannot stop beaming while speaking about her endeavors. In a recent video uploaded on YouTube by CBS Evening News, Hilliard said, “They see really good coaches that look like them, hair looks like them, bodies look like them, teaching them great gymnastics.” Surely, her zeal to open up the realm of gymnastics has proven to be a successful endeavor. But there’s a story behind it which is equally intriguing. 

Hillard was the very first US gymnast of color to represent her country in rhythmic gymnastics back in 1978. But that did not come without obstacles. Despite being an established gymnast, Hillard was denied a spot at the group routine in the 1983 Worlds. And the reason? Well, Hillard stood out significantly! Now, while no comments were made about Hillard’s color, the message was quite clear. 

Unwilling to go down without a fight, her parents took things to the USA Gymnastics. Thankfully, the ruling went in her favor. But the resultant impact of the incident, made Hilliard take a serious step. Envisioning a worry free path to learning gymnastics, Hilliard launched her gymnastics foundation. Many young gymnasts have been reaping rich benefits of the initiative. And Tyler Morris is one of them.

How Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation is fueling the Olympic dream of a teenager

Idolizing Gabby Douglas, Tyla Morris has always been flipping around her house as a child, as she dreamed about being a gymnast. Now, at 17, she’s turning those dreams into reality at the Wendy Hilliard Gymnastics Foundation. “My goal is to make the senior national team and the world team,” she says with determination in her heart. Morris even added, “And I also, I just want to see myself get better instead of like trying to beat someone else, just beat my past self.” 

With relentless dedication, daily training, and a strong support system, she’s inching closer to that goal each day. Her journey began at 11 when her mother discovered the Wendy Hilliard Foundation. A program that provides opportunities for young gymnasts who may not have had access otherwise. Awarded a full scholarship, Tyla seized the chance to grow in a space that nurtured both her talent and ambition.

“Without the help of Wendy, I’m not too sure she would be able to compete or even have had the chance to be a gymnast,” her mother admitted. Wendy Hilliard Foundation has given Tyla not only a place to train but a platform to thrive. With her eyes set on the biggest stage, young Morris is on her quest to prove what hard work can achieve.

She’s already made her mark, winning two events at the state championships today. Tyla herself stated, “I’m going to keep working hard, go to practice every day, and have determination.” The road to the Olympics isn’t easy. But Tyla is embracing every step of the climb.