Fighting through the odds and the history, the US Men’s Gymnastics finally made their way onto the podium on the 3rd of October. The team’s third-place win with a 252.428 score was a first since the 2014 bronze. Now as they move ahead, it is the individual gymnasts’ time to mark their presence at the championship. On the 6th of October, the 2023 Worlds hosted the all-around finals for men. The top 24 emerging gymnasts from the qualifier’s round, made their way onto the arena on Thursday.

Placing among the top from Team USA were Fred Richard with 83.566 in the fifth position, and Asher Hong with 83.165 in 7th. Richard, the debutant and the hidden card of the team faced obstacles consecutively on one apparatus; the Pommel Horse. Previously performing at the Men’s Team finals round, Fred remained discredited for his performance on the apparatus. Now, walking ahead to the all-arounder, the Pommel Horse proves to be an Achilles heel.

Fred Richard encounters disappointment

On the finals day on the 3rd, while the team celebrated the bronze, it wasn’t an easy journey getting there. The 19-year-old gymnast, Fred Richard took to Pommel Horse to put a score on the board. Following this the gymnast performed for a whole 40 seconds. While the showcase presented no visible errors to the newer eyes, Richard’s final score read, 12.500.

“He didn’t get credit for scissors which we lost in element group…” coach Brett McClure said following the bronze win. Following the results, USA Gymnastics took to X stating that an inquiry had been submitted for the discredit. However, the scores remained unchanged as per the updates.

Now onto the all-around finals, the Pommel Horse has caused a fall for the youngster yet again. Richard had started the day well scoring 14.633 on floor exercise. Unfortunately, he was pushed to the third spot after the Pommel Horse with a total of 13.733. Interestingly, the apparatus has remained unkind to Team USA throughout history. Nonetheless, the gymnast aimed for a victory at the available apparatus.

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The rising gymnastics star emerges victorious at the 2023 Worlds

The journey upon entering the 2023 World Gymnastics Championship was a roller coaster ride for the team USA. Going head first into the match, the team initially appeared to be losing its grip as none made it to the leading list of apparatus. However, the team backed by the experienced Yul and Asher and the young potential of Paul, Fred, and Khoi knew to find their way out. However, as the team continued, leading it from the front was Fred Richard who not only scored big on the Floor Exercise but also placed in the top 24 of the all-around.

Fred Richard with an 83.566 positioned 5th among the gymnasts heading for the all-around event on Thursday. The 19-year-old Michigan University student went ahead to stay worthy of the previous position. Fred’s determination to inch ahead led him to the top of the floor exercise scoring 14.633. He then proceeded to score over 13 for all of the apparatus maintaining a minor margin from each.

Fred finally gaining a stand, accumulated 84.332 which led him to win the US Men’s Gymnastics Teams first all-around medal since 2010. With the medal on board, Fred entered the field to make history for 2 consecutive days. With a returning hope in the team, the spectators only await the future for the Men’s Gymnastics.

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