Ruben Padilla describes double mini-trampoline as his “fun event”, just something he does on the side of his main trampoline discipline. That’s not to say the American won’t be aiming for some medal-ware at The World Games in Birmingham, Alabama on Friday (15 July), however, especially in front of a home crowd.
"This is kind of like our version of the Olympics," the 21-year-old told Olympics.com ahead of the 2022 edition, which began 7 July and finishes on Sunday (17 July). "Because it’s once every four years, and they take one male and one female per event, it’s honestly such an incredible feeling to be the one selected as the representative for the USA."
You can watch all the action at the World Games via live stream here.
The four-time world medallist in double mini-trampoline recognises his World Games experience could not only bring him immediate joy in standing on the podium in front of his compatriots, but will hopefully be a stepping stone to his ultimate dream – competing at an Olympic Summer Games.
“I focus mostly on trampoline (an Olympic sport). I do that four days a week, if not five, and then double mini I do once or twice a week," says the California native who is looking to Paris 2024 to achieve his ultimate goal.
With one person from each country coming together and going out onto the competition floor and "just going out and doing their best", says Padilla, The World Games will be an incredible experience, akin to the Olympics, and something from which to learn everything he can, especially as the Eiffel Tower is beckoning.
"Before, when I was a kid, (competing at an Olympics) has always been my dream. Comparing it to now, it’s crazy how close it seems and how much of a challenge it is in reality than what I was expecting. But it’s always been a dream and it’s definitely something I want to work for.”
Full results from the event in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, can be found here.
Watch World Games action right here via Olympic Channel on Olympics.com throughout the competition in July 2022.
How to watch The World Games live in 2022
Fans can watch the sports action unfolding from 7 to 17 July at the 2022 World Games as livestream broadcasts and highlights right here on Olympics.com and via official Olympic apps for mobile and connected TV.