Meet Akira, a toddler who has four world records in kick scootering before turning 2: Her parents say, “We didn't choose her passion, we noticed it”
ETimes | July 20, 2026 5:39 PM CST
When Akira was just 14 months old, she saw her cousin riding a kick scooter. The little toddler walked towards the scooter, looked at her mom as if asking for permission, climbed on, and started pushing herself with just a little support. Within minutes, Akira wanted to do it again. Today, only five to six months after that first ride, Akira has become one of the youngest children recognised for kick scootering. She has already earned 4 world record titles and three India Book of Records recognitions in pint-sized kick scootering- All before she has even turned two.
The 20-month-old toddler’s achievement wasn’t the result of a grand plan. “It all happened accidentally,” says Akira’s mother Priyanka. “We never bought the scooter with records in mind- it simply became an activity she genuinely loved," her mother recalls. “We started sharing her scooter videos simply because we were proud parents capturing beautiful memories.”
Initially, Akira’s family didn’t think of it as anything beyond a toddler enjoying an activity. “Every day, she would naturally choose the scooter over many other toys. No one had to ask her to ride. She genuinely looked forward to it.”
But soon Akira’s consistency caught their attention. “We noticed how naturally her balance, coordination, focus and confidence kept improving. That's when we realised this was more than just play- it was something she truly loved."
Both Akira’s mother and her father have a sporting background. “Sports have always been a part of our lives,” her mother says. “Because of our own sporting journeys, we've always believed that sports are much more than winning medals. They teach discipline, resilience, confidence, teamwork and the courage to keep trying.” Yet She emphasises that they never decided her passion for her. “We never planned for Akira to become a record holder. Her kick scootering journey began completely by chance. We believe a parent's role is not to decide a child's passion but to notice it, encourage it and let it grow naturally.”
Akira’s day still looks like one of a toddler
Despite the growing list of achievements, life at home is far from a strict athlete's routine. “A typical day for Akira is like that of any happy and curious toddler,” says Priyanka. “She loves reading books, spending time outdoors, swimming, exploring parks, playing independently, and riding her scooter.” Contrary to what many people assume, there is no rigorous training schedule. “We don't believe in rigid practice schedules. Everything she does is through play because we strongly believe that at this age, learning should always feel joyful. Even today, the excitement on her face whenever she sees her scooter is exactly the same."
The criticism that came with going viral
Priyanka says that the most difficult part of Akira’s journey has been the unexpected criticism. “We were accused of forcing our unfulfilled dreams onto our daughter, using her to earn money, harassing her and taking away her childhood.” Some remarks, she admits, were deeply personal.
“Initially, those words hurt because no parent wants their love and intentions to be misunderstood.” But over time, another side of the story emerged. “Our inbox started filling with thousands of heartfelt messages from parents across the country. They told us that Akira inspired their children to spend more time outdoors, become more active and explore something beyond screens.” Many families even sent videos of their own toddlers beginning to scooter after watching Akira. “Interestingly, some of the very people who once criticised us are now encouraging their own children to ride scooters.”
For those who still question whether a toddler is being pushed too hard, her parents have a simple response. “The reality is very simple- Akira leads the way, and we follow. She asks for her scooter. She enjoys riding it. Every ride happens only when she wants to ride, under our complete supervision, with proper safety gear. There are no strict training schedules, no pressure and no expectations from a 20-month-old child.”
Their message to parents: Observe before you guide
For parents unsure whether to encourage unconventional interests, Akira's family offers one piece of advice."Observe your child before you guide them. Sometimes our role isn't to choose their passion but to notice it and gently nurture it. If your child enjoys swimming, painting, cycling, football, dancing, scootering or anything else, allow them the freedom to explore it safely and without pressure.”
"Our dream isn't to raise a record holder"
At the heart of Akira's story is a parenting philosophy that extends well beyond world records. The family says they rarely say no when Akira wants to safely explore something new. “We don't want our fears to become her limitations. Instead, we choose to stand beside her, guide her and make sure she explores safely."
They hope their daughter's journey encourages more families to embrace active childhoods. "If her journey inspires even one family to spend more time outdoors with their children, then we feel we've achieved something far greater than any record."
The 20-month-old toddler’s achievement wasn’t the result of a grand plan. “It all happened accidentally,” says Akira’s mother Priyanka. “We never bought the scooter with records in mind- it simply became an activity she genuinely loved," her mother recalls. “We started sharing her scooter videos simply because we were proud parents capturing beautiful memories.”
Initially, Akira’s family didn’t think of it as anything beyond a toddler enjoying an activity. “Every day, she would naturally choose the scooter over many other toys. No one had to ask her to ride. She genuinely looked forward to it.”
But soon Akira’s consistency caught their attention. “We noticed how naturally her balance, coordination, focus and confidence kept improving. That's when we realised this was more than just play- it was something she truly loved."
Both Akira’s mother and her father have a sporting background. “Sports have always been a part of our lives,” her mother says. “Because of our own sporting journeys, we've always believed that sports are much more than winning medals. They teach discipline, resilience, confidence, teamwork and the courage to keep trying.” Yet She emphasises that they never decided her passion for her. “We never planned for Akira to become a record holder. Her kick scootering journey began completely by chance. We believe a parent's role is not to decide a child's passion but to notice it, encourage it and let it grow naturally.”
Akira’s day still looks like one of a toddler
Despite the growing list of achievements, life at home is far from a strict athlete's routine. “A typical day for Akira is like that of any happy and curious toddler,” says Priyanka. “She loves reading books, spending time outdoors, swimming, exploring parks, playing independently, and riding her scooter.” Contrary to what many people assume, there is no rigorous training schedule. “We don't believe in rigid practice schedules. Everything she does is through play because we strongly believe that at this age, learning should always feel joyful. Even today, the excitement on her face whenever she sees her scooter is exactly the same."
The criticism that came with going viral
Priyanka says that the most difficult part of Akira’s journey has been the unexpected criticism. “We were accused of forcing our unfulfilled dreams onto our daughter, using her to earn money, harassing her and taking away her childhood.” Some remarks, she admits, were deeply personal.
“Initially, those words hurt because no parent wants their love and intentions to be misunderstood.” But over time, another side of the story emerged. “Our inbox started filling with thousands of heartfelt messages from parents across the country. They told us that Akira inspired their children to spend more time outdoors, become more active and explore something beyond screens.” Many families even sent videos of their own toddlers beginning to scooter after watching Akira. “Interestingly, some of the very people who once criticised us are now encouraging their own children to ride scooters.”
For those who still question whether a toddler is being pushed too hard, her parents have a simple response. “The reality is very simple- Akira leads the way, and we follow. She asks for her scooter. She enjoys riding it. Every ride happens only when she wants to ride, under our complete supervision, with proper safety gear. There are no strict training schedules, no pressure and no expectations from a 20-month-old child.”
Their message to parents: Observe before you guide
For parents unsure whether to encourage unconventional interests, Akira's family offers one piece of advice."Observe your child before you guide them. Sometimes our role isn't to choose their passion but to notice it and gently nurture it. If your child enjoys swimming, painting, cycling, football, dancing, scootering or anything else, allow them the freedom to explore it safely and without pressure.”
"Our dream isn't to raise a record holder"
At the heart of Akira's story is a parenting philosophy that extends well beyond world records. The family says they rarely say no when Akira wants to safely explore something new. “We don't want our fears to become her limitations. Instead, we choose to stand beside her, guide her and make sure she explores safely."
They hope their daughter's journey encourages more families to embrace active childhoods. "If her journey inspires even one family to spend more time outdoors with their children, then we feel we've achieved something far greater than any record."
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