Erik Kynard Jr. is the son of Erik Kynard Sr. and Brandynn Adams. He has three brothers: Christopher, Branden, and Ian. He also has six sisters: Ava, Justyce, Asia, Brittany, Faith, and Bre’anna. At seventeen years old, Kynard qualified for his first U.S. Olympic Team Trials in 2008. From 2011 and 2012, Kynard is a two-time NCAA outdoor national champion in the high jump. Together with Will Claye, Kynard co-created the lifestyle brand ELEVATE. He says he hopes to inspire the youth of American through the brand.