Fred Richards, the 2023 World Championship bronze medallist who shattered a nine-year drought for the US men’s gymnastics team and played a pivotal role in ending a 16-year medalless streak at the Paris Olympics 2024, says, “I want to inspire others to see that anything is possible with dedication and a bit of creativity.” Beginning his journey at just 16, Richards dove into the realm of social media, initially driven by the frustrations of the pandemic’s constraints. His TikTok became more than just a platform; it was his outlet for sharing the highs and lows of his life, where he wove together his athletic achievements with a fresh, relatable digital presence.

When Richard first shared a video of his back-flip and front-tuck half-twists, it quickly racked up 10,000 views. Fast forward five years, and he’s now a social media star, bringing new attention to gymnastics and boosting his income in the process. His online presence has opened doors to brand deals and collaborations, helping him not only grow his net worth but also inch closer to his dreams within the sport. Each opportunity feels like a step toward making those dreams a reality.

During his freshman year, Richard enlisted two talented videographers to document his journey. He dedicated himself to creating content and turned it into weekly productions. Fast forward to the present, and his early investment in creativity has blossomed into a tapestry of high-profile partnerships with brands like Marriott International, Crocs, and Celsius energy drinks, among others. What began as a simple yet ambitious endeavor has now transformed into a thriving network of influential collaborations.

He earns around $6,000 each month from the vibrant world of social media platforms. In addition, his annual earnings reach into the mid-six figures, thanks to lucrative partnerships with brands like Celsius Energy Drink, Crocs, Marriott, and Peloton. These collaborations not only boost his income but also create a rich tapestry of success across his professional landscape.

Amid all these deals and collaborations, what is the specific monetary goal Frederick Richards hopes to achieve? Beyond the earnings, what monetary aspiration is he working towards with these opportunities?

Fred Richards: Chasing dreams through dollar signs

In an interview with Bloomberg, Fred Richards was recognized not just for his gymnastics skills but also for his growing role as an entrepreneur. Alongside the prize money earned from various competitions, it’s clear that his social media presence has become a major source of income. He noted that before his rise, most professional male gymnasts weren’t earning six figures a year. His story blends athletic success with savvy business sense, demonstrating how he has made a significant impact both on and off the mat.

Fred Richards had grander dreams in mind. Reflecting on his ambitions, he confides, “I wanted to be rich, like millions, like other pro athletes.” He recalls being told at 16 that his future would follow a conventional path: go to college, land a job, and stick with it for decades. With a knowing smile and a shake of his head, Richards dismisses this vision, firmly asserting that he could never be content with a single role for 40 or 50 years.

Instead, Richards has carved out a path of boundless freedom. “I figured if I’m creating businesses, I can create as many businesses as I want and go that route, and I’m free,” he explains. His TikTok posts have soared to over a million views, and he’s actively engaging across all major platforms, including Instagram and YouTube. This immense online presence not only fuels a significant flow of ad revenue but also attracts eager brand partnerships, enriching his entrepreneurial journey with vibrant opportunities.

And now, Fred Richards is poised to join the legendary Simone Biles on the Gold Over America Tour this year, a thrilling opportunity to expand his audience and infuse even more vibrancy into his social media presence. As he takes this exciting step, Richards is set to captivate new fans and amplify his digital influence. We’d love to hear your thoughts on his aspirations and how he plans to harness his brand collaborations to turn his ambitious dreams into reality.