Last year, 20-year-old gymnast Frederick Richard etched his name in history by becoming the youngest individual medalist in the men’s world championship. He also scored two bronze medals in the all-around division, which propelled the U.S. men’s team back on the podium for the first time in nine years.
Richard will represent the United States in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and is reportedly dead set on bringing home the gold. Here are 5 facts you may not have known about this future gymnastics legend.
He’s a natural-born flipper
Richard hails from Stoughton, Massachusetts. His mother says he started doing handstands in his crib at just 2 years old. His journey into gymnastics began when he was 4.
He’s a social media superstar
In 2020, he launched his TikTok account, FrederickFlips, where Richard gives his supporters an inside look at his life through competition clips, training routine videos and relatable memes. Since then, Richard has amassed over one million followers spanning several platforms.
He has an apparel line
Richard’s apparel line through the FredrickFlips moniker sports a backflip logo reminiscent of the Jordan brand. Clothing options include hats, hoodies, T-shirts and even training gear. His most recent venture into fashion was a Crocs collaboration just in time for the Olympic games.
He’s a victorious Wolverine
Richard is a three-time NCAA gymnastics champion representing the University of Michigan Wolverines team. He might’ve taken some cues from Marvel’s Wolverine, as his favorite movies are the X-Men series.
He wants more eyes on gymnastics
Richard hopes to inspire more men to pursue gymnastics. “Ask anyone on the street,” he told Time Magazine. “They’ll never know a male gymnast. I want to be one to change that.”