Missing out on the Winter Cup 2024 came in the wake of a healing journey, but it’s just the start of Fred Richard’s career. The 2021 and 2022 Junior Pan American Champion made his mark at 19, which made him the youngest male gymnast from the USA to win an individual world medal. He not only anchored his team to the most awaited podium but also added one in his purse. But there’s more to Richard, which he’s slowly unwrapping with time.
The 2023 World Championships all-around bronze medalist used his crib space to do handstands at age 2. Girding up for a contentious gymnastic mat now, Richard is also putting forth his grounded nature. Some things annoy him and being a gymnast of such a measure, they make sense. Let’s learn about his pet peeve.
Fred Richard made headlines for a rare reason
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In an episode titled “Fred Richard’s Pet Peeve for P-Bars & Yul Moldauer’s (USA) New Hair – Interview”, the 19-year-old joined his older counterpart Yul Moldauer. Though the host was appreciative of Moldauer’s hair, she was more interested to know about the gymnasts’ pet peeves. Richard said, “Guys wearing pads on their biceps on p-bars if you’re strong you don’t need it suck it up get the rips like the rest of us unless you do like five upper arm skills otherwise yeah”. Using pads may have a science behind it, but the Massachusetts native showed sheer repugnance.
The 3x NCAA Championships gold medalist has already cemented his position in the women-dominated sport. But whether he’ll be able to maintain his winning streak or not is the real question. After his historical feat last year, his life has transformed. Unable to process the treatment, he’s also living his dreams heading to Paris.
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How is Richard handling the fame?
“A lot of interviews. A couple brand deals have been signed and in the works. So, those two. When it comes to the gym I’m just pushing upgrades now, trying to get those Olympic routines ready”, he said. Being surrounded by paparazzi doesn’t mean skipping practice. And the 19-year-old is proving that every day.
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Besides crediting his parents for his stellar achievements, the young gun also left a note for his coach.“What my coach Tom did was he knew that I had what it took and he knew we needed to get the right resources for me to have that chance. On Saturdays he would drive me himself to other gyms in Massachusetts, ones with better equipment”. Considering his training days and penchant for gymnastics having hit quite early, Richard will be a line favorite in Paris.
READ MORE: Weeks After Winter Cup Withdrawal, Fred Richard Continues to Expand His NIL Deal