Performance & Technical Breakdown

Q. In your routines this year, what was the single technical adjustment that made the biggest difference in your execution scores?

The single biggest technical adjustment this year was in my twisting. I’ve been working on speeding up my twist and finishing skills earlier in the air. With the new Code of Points, execution judging has changed, and there’s a bigger deduction for twisting late — so cleaning that up made a huge difference.

Q. Can you walk us through one skill from your final that felt perfect in the air — and why?

One skill from my final that felt perfect was my triple pike. It’s a skill I was one of very few athletes competing before the new code change that adjusted difficulty values. It’s one of my favorite skills, and in the final it kicked out at the perfect time, flipped fast, and held its line throughout the entire flip.

Q. What part of your trampoline pass (or DMT mount/dismount) are you most proud of from Worlds?

The part of my trampoline pass I’m most proud of was the overall execution of my routine. I scored well in execution, even though I was already exhausted from three days of competition and performing 14 routines. At that point, I was honestly just proud to finish all 10 skills cleanly.

Strategy & Preparation

Q. How did you balance risk vs. execution when choosing your difficulty for Worlds this year?

A big focus for me this year was having fun. For me, that comes from pushing myself with harder skills and combinations. Luckily, the code change favors difficulty more, so we’re seeing higher difficulty and higher total scores across the field.

In my opinion, it’s made the sport more entertaining — there’s more variety now. Some athletes add more triples, some add more twisting doubles, and some are even adding quads. For me, the balance came from building a high-difficulty routine without sacrificing too much height or execution. I found that balance at five triples, sometimes six, with twisting doubles like a quad-twisting double back to finish.

I did compete an eight-triple routine, which set a world record and became my highest-scoring routine ever — it’s just not consistent enough yet to be my main routine.

Q. What was the most surprising thing about this year’s field of competitors? Any unexpected strengths or trends?

The most surprising thing was how different the field looked this year. With more diverse routines, we’re also seeing a big shift in who’s at the top. Some athletes who stayed with the same routines and similar scores have dropped below others who are pushing difficulty and scoring higher.

It’s been such an interesting season, and I’m really excited to see where this trend leads in the future.

Q. Did you and your coach set any “non-score” goals for this meet?

Most of our goals this year were score-based. For trampoline, the goal was to break 62.0 points and make finals. I had scored 62.0, 62.12, and 62.2 at my last World Cup, so we knew it was achievable.

I came just short at Worlds with a 61.97, but I was still content with that. I also did more than just make finals — I brought home the first USA Men’s Trampoline medal in 51 years!

Q. Was there a skill or pass you almost put in but decided against at the last minute? Why?

Yes! I was hoping to break my previous world record on both events. On trampoline, my difficulty record was 22.6, and I planned to compete a 24.1 routine with multiple twisting triple somersaults. Unfortunately, during my attempt I felt dizzy — almost vertigo — and had to stop mid-bounce, then again after my third skill.

On double mini, I attempted a new pass that I had landed three times in training, but nerves got the best of me and I landed short on a triple-twisting triple flip, so it didn’t receive credit. I considered trying it again in finals, but after competing twice already that day, I chose to be strategic, do easier passes, and bring home the gold medal.

Mental Game & Competition Mindset

Q. How did you stay mentally dialed in between prelims, semis, and finals?

The first two days of competition were honestly very hard. I pushed myself a lot in training leading up to Worlds, and I think I overdid it. On day one, I struggled to stay present and focused. I did enough to move on, but it wasn’t what I hoped for.

Day two went even worse — I fell in both synchro attempts and had a low-scoring double mini pass in team finals. Mentally, that was tough. But I knew if I wanted to achieve my goals, I had to flip my mindset. Having friends and family there made a huge difference — I leaned on them and came back stronger for the final days.

Q. What was going through your head when you mounted the trampoline for your final pass?

I was excited. It was my final event, so most of the nerves were gone. I had already achieved my goal of making finals, so I felt content just being there. From there, my mindset was to put on a show and be strategic — adjusting some skills and rearranging my routine to maximize my performance.

Q. What’s one cue or mantra you repeat to yourself before a high-pressure routine?

“It’s time to put on a show.”

Q. How do you emotionally reset after a routine that doesn’t go as planned?

Resetting is difficult, but it’s necessary in a long competition like Worlds. After the first two days didn’t go as planned, I talked with my friends and family. I reminded myself that I earned my place there for a reason, and my job was to go out and show what I’m capable of for everyone who supports me.

Behind the Scenes

Q. Who was the first person you wanted to talk to after the competition?

My parents. Being able to hug them and show them the medals meant everything. It felt amazing to show that all the sacrifices we made over the years were paying off.

Q. What’s something fans never see that you wish they could?

The interactions between athletes. On the competition floor, everyone is locked in, but in the training area we’re all friends — joking, laughing, and supporting each other. It really helps keep the tension down and makes the experience so much better.

Q. Any rituals or superstitions before competing?

Honestly, no. I’m one of the few athletes who competes without rituals or superstitions.

Growth, Training & Evolution

Q. What’s the hardest skill or correction you mastered this year that fans might not notice?

The second skill of my trampoline routine. I’ve competed it for a long time, but this year it finally became consistent. I also used to be scared of the connection between my first two skills, but now it feels comfortable.

Q. If we compared video from three years ago to now, what would stand out?

My technique has changed significantly. Three years ago, I twisted late, kicked out late, and lacked sharpness. Now, I’m stronger, jumping higher, twisting earlier, and holding much stronger lines throughout each skill.

Q. What change in conditioning made the biggest impact this season?

I didn’t overhaul my conditioning, but I did start eating healthier and lifting more — especially focusing on legs and core. Training smarter and prioritizing recovery also made a huge difference.

Q. What mistake do you actually feel  grateful for this season (in the way that it motivated you or made you reflect deeply)?

One setback that ultimately led to a positive outcome, was not making my first attempt at breaking the world record on double mini trampoline. I went for it during the finals at the USA National Championships, performing a triple front half-out pike into a quad back tuck, but I over-rotated and had to roll out of the landing. That miss actually motivated me even more to try it again the following week at the World Cup in Portugal — and that’s where I landed it. Competing the skill internationally meant it was officially recognized as a world record, rather than just a national one. If I had landed it at Nationals, I honestly don’t think I would have pushed to compete it again at the World Cup.

The Big Picture

Q. How did Worlds change your goals moving forward?

It showed me what I still need to improve — especially Time of Flight. Winning a medal also gives me more freedom domestically to experiment and push difficulty next season.

Q. If you could replay one moment in slow motion, what would it be?

Landing my super final pass on double mini. I knew right away it meant gold. It was an incredible mix of excitement and relief — defending my world title for the third year in a row.

Q. What does this medal mean to you?

The trampoline silver medal is something I never thought was possible. At any point in my life, I would’ve laughed if you told me this would happen. It’s unreal — and hopefully just the beginning for me and the USA team.

Q. Was there an athlete who inspired you this year?

Hayato Miyano. He’s pushing difficulty to another level, just like I am, and it feels like we’re battling for the trampoline world record.