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via Reuters

via Reuters

“He literally flipped out of his crib,” said Ann-Marie, mother of Olympic bronze medalist gymnast Fred Richard. Now picture this: Pacifier in mouth, between a stuffed teddy bear and a SpongeBob SquarePants blanket, little Fred, barely a toddler, is doing a handstand at the far corner of his crib. Mesmerizing, isn’t it?

Some opine his age definitely puts him in the golden years of male gymnasts competing. After all, he did become the youngest American gymnast to win an individual world medal. Fred Richard clinched gold at the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships. Not only that, at this young age he is one of 39 semifinalists for the 95th AAU James E. Sullivan Award. Additionally, he was a member of the Olympic team that won a bronze medal in Paris in 2024. Can you guess Fred Richard’s age?

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What is Fred Richard’s age?

Fred Richard was born on April 23, 2004, and is 20 years old. He became the first American male gymnast to win a WGC all-around medal in the last 13 years. Fred Richard has the potential to be among the best male gymnasts Team USA has ever produced. But what is the key to his quick rise? Richard started gymnastics at the age of four, which is common for many competitive gymnasts.

Top male gymnasts are often between the ages of twenty and thirty and typically start training between ages four and six. As per a 2016 study, the average age of male Olympic gymnasts (who reached the finals) between 1980 and 2016 was somewhere between 22.6 and 24.98. Perhaps establishing an early start is essential to building the strength, flexibility, and technique needed to compete at a high level.

But it does come down to talent at the end of the day—something Fred seems to be brimming with. The young Olympian topped his career with multiple awards, including Big Ten Gymnast of the Year and 3x NCAA All-American. In 2019, Richard participated in his first-ever elite-level national championships. In the overall competition, he finished eighth, but in the floor exercise, he took bronze by being placed third behind Nick Kuebler and Khoi Young.

However, his unstoppable drive is also a cause of concern for the Richard family, as several injuries continue to plague him (even a broken back!). “I’m really reckless. I don’t think fear has entered my brain in a very long time. I like to challenge myself and push my limits. The problem is I don’t know my limits sometimes,” before continuing, “But I’m working on that.” However, it’s not just age but also his height working in the gymnast’s favor!

How tall is Fred Richard?

Fred Richard’s height, which measures 5’5 (165 cm), is a noteworthy feature of his gymnastics profile. Although he is shorter than the usual male international gymnast, who typically stands between five feet five inches and five feet nine inches (165 cm and 175 cm) tall, his height range is considered advantageous. Did you know event specialization can be influenced by height? Taller gymnasts may do well on the horizontal bar, while shorter gymnasts are more likely to do well on the pommel horse and rings.

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As per reports, short-stature gymnasts are said to have a lower center of gravity and rotational inertia, allowing them to move faster. Indeed, having a lower center of gravity helps shorter gymnasts balance and remain stable during difficult routines. How much does this young prodigy weigh?

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What is Fred Richard’s weight?

Fred Richard’s weight is not known because the American team does not release the weight of their gymnasts. However, he has a long and impressive list of accomplishments. Fred Richard’s wins include winning the bronze medal with a score of 84.332 in the 2023 FIG World Championships. Winning silvers in the team still rings and all-around at the 2024 NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships in Columbus with an overall result of 14.400 and 83.999 for the last two categories, respectively.

Richard’s status as a great gymnast has been strengthened by his performances at international competitions such as the US Championships and the FIG World Championships. Fred Richard’s performances and commitment to gymnastics never cease to inspire, with his story being an example that skill is just as important to success as physical traits.

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