The name Simone Biles echoed in Antwerp?s Sportpaleis Arena as the World Gymnastics Championships came to a close. The incredible gymnast secured her sixth all-around world title, as can be expected from an athlete of her stature. But what about the men?s division? How did Team USA fare in the men?s events?
Thankfully, the happy saga continued for Team USA as the 19-year-old breakout star ended the 13-year-long drought with an amazing performance. With his anchoring presence and path-breaking victory that captured the all-around bronze after more than a decade?s gap, Fred Richard solidified his position on the world stage. The Missouri-groomed gymnast is known for his spectacular ?flares? that he hopes to accentuate with a jaw-dropping collaboration.
Fred Richard secures Crocs deal after World Gymnastics Championships
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Fred Richard has not been sitting idle after the World Gymnastics Championships. He has already moved on to loftier goals, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. He posted an update on his Instagram story to make his ambitions known. The story is captioned “Cooking up something @crocs,” where he posed for the company’s latest ad film. The legendary gymnast held a yellow and black croc to his ears as if it were a phone.
Meanwhile, the brand’s ad filmmaker captured his stance from various angles. Crocs have been known to support gymnasts, especially those who have proven themselves as the contender for the all-around title. In the past, the company allied itself with Sunisa Lee after her 2020 Tokyo gold medal-winning feat. In its pursuit of becoming the ubiquitous footwear of the globe, the company has once again bet on a gymnast’s fame.
Fred Richard has inspired confidence by winning the bronze in Belgium, while Japan’s Daiki Hashimoto defended his crown. While his performance was enough to win the sponsorship deal, he remained a considerable distance from attaining the status held by Simone Biles as the definitive face of American gymnastics.
Simone Biles and Fred Richard lock horns
Simone Biles and Fred Richard shared the mat and tried to replicate each other?s moves. The latter sounded happy with the results and posted a video with the caption, ?Playing copy with Simone Biles?. While Richard was able to nail a few, many attempts went awry.
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For example, he failed to successfully perform the Tour Jete that the 26-year-old demonstrated moments ago. However, he did not give up hope and continued to try his best. Richard could not also replicate Simone Biles? Popa move.
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In the end, he was forced to concede to the 4x Olympic gold medalist, saying, “better than me”. Although the sure-footed star could not ace Simone Biles’ steps in the Women’s Gymnastics vs. Men’s Gymnastics event, he has definitely made a name for himself.
Watch this story:?Simone Biles Triumphs Over Defending Champ, Reclaiming US Glory at World Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2023