What does it take to break the mold in gymnastics? Risk? Rebellion? A willingness to take the penalties and still push forward? History is filled with game-changers such as Michael Jordan, who was fined for his red shoes; Serena Williams, who fought for the right to wear a catsuit; and Simone Biles, who redefined the sport despite critics doubting her every move. So what happens when someone dares to challenge gymnastics’ strict traditions? Now, Frederick Richard is stepping into that lineage of disruptors. The Olympic medalist isn’t just pushing limits on the mat but he’s taking on the sport’s deep-rooted traditions, which is expected in a week.

The artistic gymnast’s latest post on Instagram hinted at sparking a change. The post read, “If getting deducted is what it takes to spark this change, then I’ll gladly do it. February 21st, stay tuned,”  Richard isn’t just competing—he’s pushing boundaries. His video teases a shift: “ What have I really done?” “Olympics audience:” “US Championship audience:” There is so much that needs to change.  I want greatness for the sport of gymnastics. The great took risks and became icons. [Video shows Michael Jordan…]. Fined $5,000 per game for wearing red shoes. Is that what it takes? Let’s find out.”

Richard’s cryptic post follows the ditching of the conventional skin-tight uniform for a loose tank top. Why? Because he remembers what it felt like to be a young boy, self-conscious in tights, hesitant to embrace a sport often labeled as “feminine.” “I’m making this change for my 10-year-old self,” he wrote. Partnering with Turn Gymnastics, Richard is challenging outdated norms. “The world and culture have changed… now it’s time for the sport and the uniform to change as well” 

While he is pushing boundaries and shattering norms, this Boston native is also a stellar gymnast. Apart from being a 3x NCAA All-American, the 20-year-old snatched bronze in the team event in the Paris Olympics last year. But will all this buzz be enough?? Can Fred Richard’s bold move truly shake up men’s gymnastics like Nedoroscik’s Superman moment did?? Will Richard be able to turn the tide when many think men’s gymnastics is undergoing a major crisis?

As Men’s gymnastics struggles, Frederick Richard leads the fight for change

Gymnastics has always been the precision sport, but now, with the FIG’s latest ruling, the margins are getting thinner! The federation has reduced the number of elements contributing to the difficulty score from 10 to 8, specifically excluding vault. So what does this mean? Fewer skills, tighter competition, and increasingly difficult to set oneself apart. Things aren’t any better so far as the United States is concerned either! 

The numbers clearly reflect the sorry state of affairs. From more than 150 college programs back to the 1970s, men’s gymnastics barely survived, dropping to only 11 NCAA Division 1 colleges with men’s gymnastics teams. Aside from Title IX regulations, and the repercussions these have brought, there exists A drying talent pool and a closed door for the younger generation of gymnasts. It is not a domestic-only issue: once a heavyweight contender, Cuba has now walked away from the international spotlight.

“I remember when their gymnasts were considered some of the best in the world,” says veteran coach Damian Merino. And now? Silence. Stephen Nedoroscik was candid as well, “There’s such great talent in this country that will never see its coordinate potential.” This is why the fight of Fred Richard is much more than a uniform fight; it is an effort toward men’s gymnastics survival.