Noah Lyles Turns Into Gymnastics Coach as a Special Favor for Team USA’s Youngest Medalist

With the 2024 Paris Olympics inching closer, athletes from all walks of life are busy ensuring their best shot on the grandest stage. In this quest, sticking to the coach’s advice is the usual way to go. However, a little extra help from cross-sport icons can bring valuable insights. For three-time NCAA champion gymnast Frederick Richard, getting his vault right depends heavily on the momentum he gathers beforehand. And for running, what can be better than getting some crucial tips from a World Champion sprinter?

So Richard wasted no time and turned to six-time World Champion Noah Lyles. In a recent social media post, he shared his ‘virtual training session’ with Lyles. The clip created so much uproar that USA Gymnastics’ official handle’s comment, “one epic crossover” did not sound like an exaggeration.

Noah Lyles comes up with a promise for Richard

In a recent Instagram post by Richard, the Michigan athlete can be observed honing his sprinting skills with enthusiasm. “Bouta learn from the best“, reads the caption of the post, which tags Noah Lyles as well. The accompanying video explains that Fred is trying to improve his “vault for the upcoming 2024 Olympics,” but he feels like something missing from the mix.

Richard is heard saying that he thinks getting faster would help him generate more height, which will surely boost his medal possibilities further. So teaming up with Noah Lyles was the only logical option for the rising national sensation. Richard decided to “ask the world’s fastest man” for help and the man didn’t disappoint the young one.

Richard can be seen getting on a video call with Noah Lyles saying, “You ready Noah?“, before proceeding to show the Diamond League winner his running skills. Lyles has a hard time suppressing his laughter as he watches Richard taking a couple of laps on the track. The Olympian had “a lot of issues” as he pointed out that Richards’ hands need more attention since they seem to prevent him from gaining more speed. Interestingly, Noah Lyles also made a promise to Richard.

Referring to Richard’s hands, a smiling Noah Lyles said, “I’ll get that right.” What else the rising gymnast could have asked for? “Thank you Bro…I need this,” replied Richard. Considering the abrupt end to Richard’s last international appearance, the tips might be just the thing he needs with the Olympics looming overhead.

Richard fixated on correcting last time’s upset

At the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Antwerp, Frederick secured bronze in the men’s high bar event. This made him Team USA’s youngest gymnast to grab a medal. But an upset scenario resulted in him being unable to bring the gold home.

Read more: Waving the American Flag High, Noah Lyles’ Fans Say ‘We Love You’ Over His Recent Upload

During the men’s artistic gymnastics all-around final at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Fred executed a high-flying Cassina but faltered on the Kolman. Now, with an icon like Noah Lyles in his corner, the young gymnast looks to finally turn the tides and secure a podium finish at the 2024 Olympics later this year.

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