Historically, women gymnasts have a brighter wall of fame than their male counterparts. But based on 2023 performances at the World Championships stage, the men will reach their shoulder level in no time. As one event is pitching up after another, the men’s roster is getting stronger with each passing day. Having said so, gymnastic icon Fred Richard withdrew from the 2024 Winter Cup, true. But did that make him any less of a line favorite? No.

Having risen to fame in the lockdown period, Richard’s NCAA performances were also class apart. But how did the 19-year-old skyrocket his career at such a tender age? In a candid chit-chat session with GMA, the young athlete unveiled his real springboard.

Fred Richard utilized the attention he received on TikTok

The viral teen has amassed attention like no other gymnast since his terrific historical feat at the 2023 World. Invited for an exclusive episode of GMA, when the host asked, “Did you have any idea that being on Tiktok will have so many followers, so much attention to the sport?”, Richard looked coy, but his words didn’t reflect so.

He replied, “I didn’t but that was the goal when I started. I had a dream, I want the world to know what I’m doing.” He who now stands as the youngest USA gymnast to win an individual world medal in the men’s competition, is also an inspiration to the African-American community which he represents.

Richard dreams of gold

Parents Ann-Marie and Carl had their child do handstands in his crib at less than 2 years of age. That kid, growing up, always jumped and flew around the house, brushing up his gymnastic skills. But eyeing Paris, how does he exactly feel? “I feel no pressure going into the Olympic Games in Paris.”

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“I have been doing gymnastics since I was a young child. It is all about my work ethic and executing my skill when the time calls for it”, he said. Every syllable of his statement made sense and was perfectly aligned with his parents’ words. He already has an NCAA Championship title and an international medal in his purse. Now, time and his hard work will tell whether he can bring home more wins or not.

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