“I Love More Than the Medal”: Preparing for the Paris Olympics, Bronze Medalist Fred Richard Gives a Sneak Peek of His Composed Mentality

The gymnastic athlete behind Hashimoto Daiki is Fred Richard, and he has already achieved laurels beyond his age. At just 18, after he matched the eligibility criteria of the senior competitive level, he competed at the DTB Pokal Team Challenge, only to culminate with three golds. The high bar specialist achieved the peak of his success mountain with his all-around bronze medal at the 2023 Worlds. What’s next?

Before the Paris Olympics pitches up, there will be a couple of opportunities for Richard to use as his Olympic springboard. But going into the Summer Games, he will be one of the top seeds. His fun mindset might turn all serious. But did he speak in affirmation or have another explanation for this?

Fred Richard speaks in denial

In Sam Oldham’s YouTube podcast named “The Fred Richard Story”, the 19-year-old spilled beans quite unabashedly. Being one of the youngest in the men’s gymnastics realm, he will have ample scope to make the grade at the Olympics. But his unexpected all-around bronze made him alert.

He has to take mindful steps this time onwards while also collecting enjoyable experiences. When Oldham asked whether he feels pressured or not, Fred Richard replied, “I think I’ll probably have that same mentality of trying to have fun… I love more than the medal or the end result”. 

From his words, it could be asserted that his gymnastic penchant is deep-rooted and is not limited to bagging acknowledgment or wins. He’s a true athlete who enjoys his sport for the love of it. Simply “living in the moment “, the 2021 Junior Pan American Champion isn’t ignorant of his training schedule ahead of the Paris Olympics.

The 19-year-old’s training regimen

When asked whether he trains seven days a week, the 19-year-old spoke in assertion. “I like doing that seven days a week but the Sunday is probably about two hours… I do some yoga and then I do physical therapy”, said Richard. Sunday-funday for him is to focus on the physical movements but without any gymnastic equipment.

Balancing his time as a Michigan Wolverines’ collegiate and elite gymnastics smoothly, his training structure has developed after the Worlds podium. Since 2010, no US man finished with an individual medal at the World Championships. Proving his worth, he did it and hopes to make more waves in the future.

READ MORE: Fred Richard Credits TikTok for His Gymnastics Growth Days After Withdrawing From Winter Cup 2024