Austin White, 22, won the silver medal on double-mini trampoline at the 2010 World Championships in Metz, France, which took place Nov. 11-13. When asked how it felt to win the silver medal, he said, "It was an incredible sense of achievement and something I've worked for my entire career. My goals have progressed over the years and this medal serves as a culmination of all of them."

White is originally from Irvine, Calif., but now lives in Newport Coast, Calif., and trains at World Elite Gymnastics with his coaches Robert Null and Peter Dodd.

He is the 2010 U.S. Elite Challenge double mini champion and took third at the 2010 Visa Championships. White is also the double mini champion from the 2010 Pan American Championships in Daytona Beach, Fla. At the 2009 World Championships White was a member of the USA team that earned the bronze medal in double mini. He also placed eighth individually at that competition.

We caught up with Austin after he returned from the World Championships and asked him about his trip and future plans. Here's what he had to say.

Is this your best accomplishment so far?
Yes. I've had my share of ups and downs and exciting moments along the way, but ultimately none can compare to the pride I have for bringing home a silver medal for the USA.

What was the best part of the trip?
A hamstring strain nearly prevented me from competing in finals. Reflecting on the effort it took to actually compete as I sat in the "kiss & cry" booth and watched my score flash was an incredible sensation as I knew that with two more people to go, I had a medal.

What was the worst part of the trip?
Warm-up for finals was certainly the worst part of the trip for me. Behind the curtain, several of our U.S. officials, coaches, trainers, and doctors were deciding on the best course of action while I struggled to get through my routines. I want to thank each and every one of them for believing in me and making the tough decision to allow me to continue to compete.

How long were you gone?
Eleven days. Our first four days were spent at the national team training facility located at the Karolyi Ranch in Huntsville, Texas. The remaining seven were spent in Metz, France.

What was the first thing you wanted to do when you returned?
Well, I can't say it was to get stuck in Denver for an extra night due to flight delays. Luckily, it was a relatively enjoyable experience thanks to women's double mini competitor Mckenna Kurz's hospitable extended family. Aside from that, Thanksgiving and spending time with family and friends was first and foremost on my mind.

What double mini routine did you compete at Worlds? Can you describe it?
I competed the highest total degree of difficulty of the competition. My routines included a total of six triple somersaults, some with half and full twists in tuck and pike positions.

Do you focus mostly on double mini or do you train all of the events?
Competitively, I focus primarily on double mini; however, at home my main focus is on trampoline. The two are very similar and I believe help me to be a more well-rounded athlete.

How long do you train each day?
I spend about two hours per day training.

What do you like about double mini?
Double mini is my favorite of the four events, though I have competed in all of them. The most important factor of double mini is difficulty, and as such, it's the most exciting event. I previously tied the world record for difficulty and am thrilled every time I can put together a difficult pass.

What do you do when you are not training? School? Work?
When I'm not at the gym, I'm usually at home working or studying, or at school studying to become a computer science major. I work from home for a startup company called HomeFree.com as lead developer.

Tell us about your family.
My parents, Richard and Sandy White, have supported me in gymnastics throughout my career. My mother enrolled me in trampoline classes when I was 11 and I started competing the following year at 12. Both of my parents recognized my talent and passion for the sport early on and have supported me ever since. My sisters are Heather and Haley White. Heather is an amazing and recently graduated interior designer. Haley is an incredibly talented athlete who formerly competed in trampoline as well.

How did you get into Trampoline and Tumbling?
I began trampoline and tumbling later than most at 11 years old. I was previously jumping on backyard trampolines and tearing up my parents' bed learning whatever skills I could, which I guess they will find out about now after reading this. I progressed through the sport quickly and began competing right away. I've never taken any extended break from the sport and have loved every aspect since the beginning.

What are your goals for the future?
I plan on competing again next year at World Championships in Birmingham, England. I will assume the responsibility of leading the team next year as we head into the team competition. I'm looking forward to a very strong team since at this year's World Championships we finished prelims in 3rd, 5th, 6th, and 7th, which is an outstanding result.

I would also like to take time to thank the following people for their dedication to the team and the encouragement and strength I needed to compete in finals: Robert Null, head double mini coach and my personal coach; Ann Sims, senior program director; Shaun Kempton, elite program committee chair; George Drew, doctor and national double mini team coach; and Tim Ryan, trainer.