Fred Richard isn’t finished rewriting the record books just yet. The 20-year-old star from Boston is ready to shake things up in Paris. Well, back in June at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Richard hit a home run, clinching first place in the all-around and securing his spot on the Olympic team. But he’s not just aiming to strike gold in Paris; he’s set his sights on creating a legacy that will be remembered forever. And how did he propose to do that? Fun fact: He started off as a Tiktok sensation. Really makes you wonder, huh?
On February 27th this year, Richard appeared on Good Morning America, where he discussed his aspirations following his historic wins and surge in social media popularity. When asked by the host if the Olympics was his ultimate goal, Richard responded candidly, “Beyond that, way beyond. Gymnastics at the Olympics is amazing, and winning gold medals is my first goal. But after that, I want to bring more Black individuals like me into the sport. I grew up being one of the only Black kids in the gym, and I want that to change.”
Fred Richard emphasizes the need for gymnastics to become a more inclusive and diverse sport. Reflecting on his journey as a Black athlete in a predominantly white arena, he acknowledges the hurdles he faced, such as feeling like a fish out of water and encountering microaggressions. Richard points out that these challenges often arise from ignorance and stresses the importance of opening the floodgates for education and dialogue.
As he puts it, “Growing up as a Black athlete in gymnastics, you are for sure the minority,” he says. “You are definitely questioning, when you’re young, if you really feel in the right place.” He credits his parents for preparing him to weather the storm, guiding him with wisdom from an early age. Essentially, he’s pushing the envelope on fostering greater inclusivity and understanding within the sport. But even though he’s still a young buck, he is building a strong resume.
Fred Richard’s journey from World Championship bronze to”Medalist Olympian” with personality
Last October, Richard struck gold at his World Championships debut by clinching bronze in the all-around. He became the youngest U.S. man ever to snag an individual world medal. This achievement first for an American man in the all-around since 2010, put him in the driver’s seat to bring gold for the USA in the Paris Olympics.
In 2024, Richard continued to shine, winning the U.S. floor exercise championship and earning silver medals in both the all-around and high bar. But it’s his mindset that keeps him soaring. As he once shared about gymnastics, “I think it’s the pushing and the challenge. Once you reach a certain level, there’s always another level to strive for. I’m never satisfied and always have something new to aim for.”
At the 2023 NCAA Championships, Richard claimed titles in the all-around, parallel bars, and high bar, while also earning silver in the team competition and floor exercise. As he eyes the Paris Olympics, Richard is determined to seize the moment, stating, “I want to be a medalist Olympian, that’s my personality. There’s always more to go. And I’m excited to just keep gunning for it.” With his drive and ambition, he’s clearly ready to grab the bull by the horns and make a splash on the Olympic stage.
Polls of the day
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Can Fred Richard become the next American gymnastics legend, or is he aiming too high?
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Can Fred Richard become the next American gymnastics legend, or is he aiming too high?