“It’s ‘trampolinist,’ not ‘trampoliner,’” freshman Casey Block, aspiring Olympic trampolinist, explained. Block’s story offers proof that simple beginnings—in this case, an adventurous spirit and a trampoline—can lead to the makings of a two-time National competition first place finisher.

Block’s rapid development as a competitive trampoline master is a by-product of his hardworking, eager personality that the athlete infuses into his sport, as he has been formally trampolining for only two and a half years.

“It all began in Australia,” he explains. His father’s Nationalistic identification with his Australian roots took the Block family abroad on a two-year vacation to the outback. One day, Block and his Aussie friend found themselves fiddling with a trampoline. “This is fun—I want to just do this,” Block thought to himself, “so I did.”

To pursue this newfound hobby-turned-passion of his, Block found the gym Team OC and started gymnastics, acquired a trampoline of his own and began unofficial coaching sessions with his friend, who used trampoline aerobics as post-surgical operation physical therapy.

As his devotion to the unlikely sport increased in significance, his practices increased in formality and regularity. Block currently practices four times a week.

“My coach Andrzej—we call him Andy—inspires me. He used to be in the circus, then Senior Elite [the highest nonprofessional level], then 1^st in world professionally for 6 years,” Block said.

When Block isn’t trampoline-bouncing like a pro and learning new skills like a triple flip, he is often unicycling or juggling.

Watch Casey Block’s gold medal-winning trampoline routine at the US Nationals competition below.