US Gymnast Fred Richard Gets Candid on Backlash for Defying 130-Year-Old Norm: “Sounds Crazy”

“History was made. Thanks for all the support [emoji].” That’s what Fred Richard posted after the Winter Cup 2025, a competition that wasn’t just about his flips, tumbles, or perfect landings. No, this time, the headlines weren’t about his skills on the mat but about what he chose not to wear. For the first time in the 130-year history of men’s gymnastics, a top-tier athlete refused to don the traditional singlet. Instead, Richard opted for a loose tank top, a pair of shorts, and pommel horse pants. A bold move? Absolutely. A controversial one? Without a doubt. So, the reactions should be a mixed bag, right?

Yes. While fans and fellow athletes applauded his decision to challenge outdated norms, the purists were less than impressed. The sport is steeped in tradition, and breaking away from it came with a price—both on and off the mat. Judges deducted points from his score, a clear penalty for defying uniform regulations. But the bigger storm raged outside the competition floor. 

Critics called it disrespectful. Traditionalists argued that the singlet was more than just an outfit—it was a symbol of the sport’s identity. Some even questioned whether his act was an attention-seeking stunt rather than a genuine stand for change. And how did Richard handle the backlash?

Fred Richard explains the effect of criticism on him 

. How? Let’s follow that story.

“This was the first time that I created a divide where people were very for it or very against it,” he told former British gymnast Sam Oldham on the latter’s YouTube podcast. “Which, number one, is kind of exciting. I mean, I guess it sounds crazy, but it’s exciting because it means you’re doing something that matters to people.” Exciting? That’s one way to look at it. Some might call it a generalization, brushing off criticism as a sign of impact rather than engaging with its nuances.

But make no mistake—Fred Richard is not one to take things lightly. He’s known for his ability to learn, adapt, and grow. So, was he just playing it cool? Was this his way of downplaying the controversy? Absolutely not. In the very next breath, Fred made it clear that he was listening. “I’ve seen feedback on the design aspect of it, like, ‘Oh, this should change, this should change,’ and any feedback on the design element is perfect. That’s what the goal was—to get to talk about it. This is model one; there can always be tweaks.”

Fred wasn’t shutting down the conversation—he was inviting it. But there was one thing he wasn’t going to do: lose sleep over personal attacks. “I don’t take any of that personally because, again, this is about a uniform. If you make it personal, I mean, ‘That’s you,’ but for me, it’s not going to hurt my feelings.” Simple as that! But don’t mistake his confidence for arrogance.

he said.

So, Fred Richard’s mission is clear—he’s here for the people who live with the challenges of men’s gymnastics attire. If you’re not in that space, if you’re just criticizing from the sidelines, he’s not going to lose any energy over you. Read his exact lines for better clarity. 

“A lot of people disagreeing with me; it’s kind of like—I wasn’t doing this for them in the first place. I mean, I hope that doesn’t sound bad, but it’s hard for me to be hurt from it.” Fred Richard isn’t here to battle with tradition just for the sake of it. He’s here to challenge the rules that no longer serve the gymnasts. And if that means shaking up the sport and ruffling some feathers along the way? So be it. And you know what? He has a few friends from the same field to help him reach his goal.

The protagonists are in the actual play 

Fred Richard had never been a fan of singlets. His teammates at the University of Minnesota knew it. His coaches knew it. Anyone who had been around him long enough probably saw it coming—he was never going to just accept the 130-year-old tradition without questioning it. But what really stunned him? 

Well, the Olympian’s sponsor, Turn, jumped on board without hesitation. In his chat with Sam Oldham on YouTube, Fred revealed how this revolution in men’s gymnastics attire didn’t happen overnight. It started with a conversation—a risky one, at that.

“When Turn was asking for me to sign a deal with them, we said, ‘We don’t want to do this a normal way. I had this goal of changing the uniform. This is everything that I want to focus on when partnering with you guys,’” Richard recalled. Then came the moment that changed everything. “They said, I guess, ‘We understand. We’ll support you on this journey, and, you know, we’ll partner on this.’”

Just like that, history was set in motion. However, for Fred, this wasn’t just about personal preference—it was about choice. He had spent years wearing a uniform he never felt comfortable in, something he had disliked since childhood. And now, with the right support, he was finally able to step onto the competition floor on his terms. On the other hand, another important fact can be explored. 

Turn’s backing wasn’t just a business move—it was a statement. While critics saw Fred’s decision as a rebellion, the reality was simpler: this was an athlete finding a way to feel his best while competing at the highest level. And any help in making that happen? Always welcome.

But let’s be clear—Fred Richard isn’t out here seeking approval from everyone. For those inside the sport, those who understand the grind, the discomfort, and the push for evolution, Fred’s door is open. Their constructive input? Always valued. For the ones outside the circle, those clutching their pearls over a uniform change as if it were an attack on gymnastics itself?

Again, Fred Richard isn’t losing sleep over them. Well, with a sponsor who believed in his vision and a mindset locked on progress, he’s already moved forward. The rest? Well, they can either catch up or get left behind.