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Gymnastics events serve thrill and anxiety alike and the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championship is speaking in the same voice. After a highly impressive selection of events, the USA men’s team roster looked as convincing as ever. Besides the nation’s preferred 19-year-old Asher Hong competing to clinch the glory in Antwerp, there’s another artistic gymnast on the lookout. On September 30, the World Championships curtains unfolded and the celebrated men’s team lined up.

Competing alongside great Olympians, the Michigan Wolverines Fred Richard stood out in his floor routine. With some ordinary displays by the other teammates, this 19-year-old has notched it up for the team. Moreover, the interesting fact is, Michigan ranks in the top four in each event but pommel horse.

Fred Richard made his gymnastics realm proud

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While Asher Hong clocked 14.300, Paul clocked 13.933 and Yul clocked 14.233, Gymnastics Now applauded Fred’s maneuver. To highlight the nuances of representing college and country, Gymnastics Now had previously spoken to Richards. Further, the 2021 and 2022 Pan American champion reveals about straddling the line between worlds. Along similar lines, the recent power display asserted his finesse on the floor as he scored 14.600.

Gymnastics Now captioned the post as, “Fred Richard (USA) FX: Stuck 2.5 twisting double back. Front double full to full. Lovely flairs. Stuck double-double. 2.5 to the front lay, nearly stuck. Half-in, half-out, small hop. A redeeming routine and a fist pump to match!” With wobbly performances of the others, the nation’s eyes are on Fred now.

His unwavering determination paid off when he picked himself up in the finale of 2023 NCAA. Despite a fall on the high bar during qualifiers, the final redemption was applaudable.

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Richard’s signature high bar

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Richard won the parallel bars, high bars and all-round title in his first NCAA championship. Moreover, he has dominated the entire 2023 season. Just a few weeks earlier, the true freshman was voted Big Ten Freshman of the Year, won the conference’s all-around competition, and currently lead the Wolverines in three of the six events.

Richard had just put on a dominant show in the Big Ten Championship and the NCAA Nationals Qualifier when he entered the NCAA Championship.

Richard has been among the Wolverines’ top players in the competition; his assistance was crucial if Michigan wanted to win the national championship. Despite a low performance initially, he bounced back with a bang. He’ll be back on the mat for the men’s final round on October 3.

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READ MORE: Breaking: Following Back-to-Back Upsets, US Women?s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships Team for 2023 Announced