Fred Richard isn’t just making history in gymnastics—he’s shaking things up with style. At just 20, “Frederick Flips” isn’t just flipping; he’s making bold moves that have him bobbling into the record books. After helping Team USA snag a bronze at the World Championships and earning his own bronze in the all-around, Fred became the youngest U.S. gymnast to ever score an individual world medal in a men’s competition. But he didn’t stop there. Fred made history again at the Paris Olympics, helping the U.S. men’s team clinch their first Olympic bronze since 2008.

Now, fresh off those back-to-back historic wins, Fred isn’t just basking in glory. Bringing home a medal is a prestigious moment, and most athletes would go to great lengths to protect theirs. But not Fred Richard. He’s risking even his precious bronze to bring real change to gymnastics!

Fred Richard shows his bronze medal with his hometown aspiring gymnasts 

In a YouTube video by WCVB Channel 5 Boston on August 23, 2024, Olympic medalist Fred Richard opened up about his journey and the road ahead to the 2028 Olympics. Reflecting on his recent triumphs, Fred shared the deeper meaning behind his medal: “I put this medal in every kid’s hand here, and it’s like it’s bigger than me.” For Fred, this isn’t just about personal glory. “Spread it might get a little damaged from all the hands touching it,” he said, fully aware of the risks. But he’s not fazed. “I think it’s better than it being locked away in a case and just never being touched again.”

On August 22, Fred made a special trip back to his hometown gym in Stoughton, Massachusetts, to inspire young gymnasts. Taylor Billings, a young gymnast, shared, “He inspired me by letting me know that I can still make it. Even though everybody’s not going to be at the same level, you can still make it if you try your hardest.”

Fred’s mission to reshape gymnastics started long before he became an Olympic medalist. Known as “Frederick Flips” on social media, he’s been using Instagram and TikTok to spotlight the sport and motivate young athletes. “In gymnastics, you have a specific code book, you have to follow the rules. In social media, there are no rules. I can do my gymnastics however I want and get millions of views,” he once said.

This approach has helped him connect with a broader audience, making gymnastics more exciting and accessible to the younger generation. Looking ahead, Fred will be back in the Boston area in October for performances on Team USA Gymnastics’ Gold Over America Tour, followed by a special celebration in his honor in Stoughton. He’s also laser-focused on the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. “2028, I can feel it,” he said. “You know when it’s your time, and I know it will be my peak.”

Fred’s journey is far from over, and his passion for inspiring change in gymnastics is only growing. And here’s a fun fact: he’s got a special piece of art featuring him sitting in a museum!

Frederick Richard scores a special edition salute from an iconic Hall of Fame and Museum!

On August 21, 2024, the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee unveiled the first-ever bobblehead of Olympic gymnast Fred Richard, who played a key role in helping the U.S. men’s gymnastics team clinch a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics—their first team medal since 2008. The special edition bobblehead, created in collaboration with Fred, features him smiling in a red, white, and blue uniform, standing proudly on a base with his name. These collectible bobbleheads were set to be individually numbered and available exclusively through the museum’s online store.

Fred was thrilled by the unexpected honor, saying, “To have that commemorated with a bobblehead doll is one of those surprises that you never think about when you dream about being on the podium. One of my goals is to spread the word about how exciting men’s gymnastics is so that we can grow our sport. I hope my bobblehead will help inspire kids across the country to try it out.”

Phil Sklar, co-founder and CEO of the museum, echoed this sentiment, praising Fred’s debut at the Paris Olympics and wishing him continued success, both in college and as he prepared for the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Reflecting on his mission to inspire children, what are your thoughts on Fred’s sweet gesture of letting kids in his hometown touch his medal? Share in the comments below!