OREM — When Kaysen Maag heads to China in November, he’ll be certainly one of a couple of dozen Utah athletes representing Crew USA on the worldwide tumbling and trampoline stage. It is a possibility he is labored towards for years, and one which appeared unsure just some months in the past after a damaged wrist sidelined him from competitors.

Inside Utah Valley Trampoline and Tumbling in Orem, Maag’s preparation is already underway. Each motion has a goal — from the stretching and handstands that start apply to the high-flying routines that observe.

“If you’re about to run full pace at a goal, the preparation is essential,” Maag stated as he skilled.

The nationwide workforce member is getting into his sixth 12 months within the sport, however his love of trampolines started lengthy earlier than he ever walked right into a health club.

“I used to be leaping on the trampoline ever since I used to be slightly child,” Maag stated.

House movies present a younger Maag bouncing in his yard, unaware that these early jumps would ultimately lead him to worldwide gymnastics competitors.

Six years in the past, Maag first visited Utah Valley Trampoline and Tumbling with buddies. Coach Andy Bryner instantly observed one thing particular.

“I had form of observed his expertise,” Bryner recalled.

Making the transition from yard enjoyable to elite-level coaching wasn’t simple. Maag stated studying structured routines and exact strategies examined his endurance.

“I might say irritating slightly bit. I am going from free to no matter I need, to tight abilities that I’ve by no means performed,” he stated.

Nonetheless, he continued to enhance, mastering more and more troublesome abilities and incomes alternatives to compete at larger ranges.

Then got here a setback.

Over Memorial Day weekend, Maag suffered a damaged wrist — an harm that pressured him to overlook a world invitation he had labored years to earn.

“It was the day I received that invitation that I received that harm, so it was fairly tough on me,” Maag stated.

The harm briefly put years of progress on maintain as he centered on restoration. However coaches say his dedication by no means wavered.

Now absolutely healed and again within the health club, Maag is as soon as once more getting ready to compete towards among the greatest athletes on this planet.

Bryner believes his athlete is prepared.

“Very exhausting employee, loyal and motivated to his craft, which is why he does so effectively at it,” Bryner stated. “He involves the health club and works actually, actually exhausting on daily basis.”

For Maag, success comes right down to mindset as a lot as expertise.

“You have to be aggressive with all the pieces otherwise you’re not going to be the place you wish to be,” he stated.

That focus is obvious all through each coaching session. But regardless of the strain of elite competitors, Maag nonetheless enjoys the thrill that first drew him to the game.

“Oh, it is thrilling,” he stated with a smile.

As apply winds down, he returns to among the fundamentals that sparked his ardour years in the past, discovering pleasure within the feeling of flight whereas sharpening the talents he’ll want on the world stage.

This can be Maag’s second time competing outdoors the US, and with Crew USA ready for him in China, coaches consider his identify will not be the final to look on a world roster.

For now, the Orem athlete’s consideration is mounted on November and the chance forward — a possibility that appeared unsure simply months in the past, however one he is now able to seize.