Fred Richards first crossed paths with gymnastics at the age of 4. As he continued honing his skills through the years, he only had one dream to look forward to. “I want to enter the Olympics with the whole country knowing, like, that’s Frederick Richard, like this man is going to do it.” In June earlier this year, he got one step closer to this when he automatically secured a spot on the Paris-bound team. While he would’ve preferred to return home with an Olympic gold, Team USA had made it onto the podium after 16 arduous years.

However, he had added yet another feather to his cap. The wunderkind also became the first male black gymnast to win a medal in 128 years in the United States of America. But when he returned to the mat for a chance at an individual medal, things didn’t seem to go his way. A few falls and missteps led to him placing 15th among 24 contenders, right behind Paul Juda. Even though things didn’t seem to go his way, he remains undeterred. Before he made his Olympic debut, the 20-year-old vowed to bring a change to how many view men’s gymnastics. He intends to continue working towards that goal.

The Bercy Arena was ready to host yet another final event on July 31. Fresh off his team finals win, Fred Richard was set to fight for a spot on the podium at the men’s all-around event. At the Olympic Trials in June, the Olympic bronze medalist breezed past his competitors to secure the #1 spot on the table. But he couldn’t replicate the same results this time around. “That experience kind of humbled me because it showed I still have a lot of work to do, which is good. I still have the same goals and am motivated to make that happen,” he told the Boston Globe.

Paris 2024 Olympics – Artistic Gymnastics – Men’s Team Final – Bercy Arena, Paris, France – July 29, 2024. Frederick Richard of United States in action on the rings. REUTERS/Paul ChildsRichard started the day off on the pommel horse. Many male American gymnasts seem to face difficulties on the apparatus, and he wasn’t any different. After falling off, he got back up and did the best that he could. But a score of 12.733 showed it wasn’t good enough. Shaking off the nerves, he then moved on to the still rings. However, his clunky routine couldn’t muster up more than a 13.600. Will he be able to pull himself through?

On to the vault, he went. But a low landing followed by a hop received a 14.100. Even though he could see his dream crumble right in front of him, a decent routine on the parallel bars and floor seemed to be his saving grace. However, it was a little too late for the 20-year-old. With an overall score of 82.166, Fred Richard had to walk out of the Bercy Arena empty-handed. But all is not lost; he still believes that he has so much more to give and is looking forward to returning to the world’s biggest stage at LA2028.

Fred Richards wants more than just Olympic medals

Even before he made his Olympic debut, many people knew him as “Frederick Flips” on social media. Does he just want to be famous? The answer to that question is far simpler than expected. The 20-year-old wants to revolutionize men’s gymnastics, and Paris seemed to fit into this vision. In a sport that is synonymously associated with the likes of Simone Biles, Jordan Chiles, Suni Lee, and more, the wunderkind is hoping to increase publicity for the men in the sport too.

Initially known as “Gymkid108,” he started posting videos of him attempting crazy flips back in 2020. But his presence on social media considerably grew by the time 2024 came about. By snagging a bronze medal at the men’s gymnastics team finals, the 20-year-old has moved one step closer to his goal. But he isn’t done yet. “I have ten more years of this sport.” He has garnered a lot of attention via his social media presence. However, Richard hopes that this will encourage even more kids to find their way into the sport.

He even intends to find a way to provide more opportunities to kids who wouldn’t be able to bear the expenses of the sport. The 20-year-old will accompany Simone Biles and several other gymnasts on her Gold Over America Tour. According to him, this will open more doors for men’s gymnastics. Are you excited to watch Fred Richards pave his own path? Let us know in the comments!