Frederick Richard is a name that gymnastics fans and social media enthusiasts alike are going to want to remember as we head into the 2024 Paris Olympics. This 20-year-old gymnast from Stoughton, Massachusetts, has not only made a name for himself in the world of gymnastics but has also become a popular figure on TikTok, where he shares his journey and training with his followers.
Richard’s journey to the Olympics has been nothing short of impressive. He recently secured his spot on the U.S. men’s Olympic gymnastics team after finishing atop the standings at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. His performance was stellar, finishing in the top three in three events: first on high bar, second on parallel bars, and third on floor exercise. This achievement is a testament to his dedication and hard work in the sport.
But Richard is not just a gymnast; he is also a social media sensation. Using the handle @FrederickFlips, he has amassed over 660,000 followers on TikTok. His videos, which often feature his training routines and performances, have garnered a significant following. His engaging content and charismatic personality have made him a favorite among fans, both in the gymnastics community and beyond.
Richard’s social media presence has helped bring awareness to men’s gymnastics, a sport that often doesn’t get as much attention as its female counterpart. Through fun challenges and entertaining videos, he has managed to capture the interest of a broader audience. His ability to connect with fans through social media has made him a unique figure in the world of sports.
Born on April 23, 2004, Richard comes from a diverse background. His mother, Anne-Marie, was born in Dominica, and his father, Carl, hails from Haiti. He has three siblings: Carlton, Alexandra, and Kevin. Richard is currently a student-athlete at the University of Michigan, where he recently completed his sophomore season. His nickname, “Frederick Flips,” is well-known on social media, and he has even launched his own apparel company under that name.
Richard’s career highlights are impressive. Although he was not age-eligible to compete in the Tokyo Olympics, Paris will be his first trip to the Olympic Games. As a freshman at the 2023 NCAA Men’s Gymnastics Championships, he dominated the competition, winning the all-around, parallel bars, and high bar titles. He also placed second on floor exercise and with the Michigan team.
At the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Richard won two bronze medals. It was his first time competing at the world level, and he lived up to the hype, helping the U.S. men’s team get back on the world medal podium for the first time in nine years. He also won a bronze medal in the all-around, making him just the fourth American man to achieve this feat and the first since 2010. Richard is the youngest American gymnast to win an individual world medal in the men’s competition.
Richard trains at the University of Michigan, alongside world bronze medalist and Paris Olympic hopeful Paul Juda. In 2024, he focused on his collegiate season, finishing second all-around, second on the rings, and second with the Michigan team at the NCAA Championships. He withdrew from the 2024 Winter Cup as a precautionary measure due to minor injuries but is set to compete next at the 2024 Xfinity U.S. Championships.
In his own words, Richard has shared some insights into his life and career. He believes a common misconception about gymnastics is that it requires an extreme amount of flexibility. His favorite workout is team circuits at Michigan, which are intense but fun with blasting music. On competition days, he has a ritual of doing yoga and making his bed and cleaning his room. He is most looking forward to interacting with different athletes and receiving support from all of America in Paris.
When it comes to food, Richard loves to splurge on an Açaí bowl or dried mangos. He considers Tiger Woods, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, Simone Biles, and Michael Phelps as the greatest athletes of all time. Richard describes himself as someone who likes pushing boundaries and doing crazy and creative things.
As we look forward to the 2024 Paris Olympics, Frederick Richard is undoubtedly a rising star to watch. His combination of athletic prowess and social media savvy makes him a unique and exciting figure in the world of gymnastics. Whether he’s flipping on the high bar or sharing his journey on TikTok, Richard is sure to capture the hearts of fans around the world.
Source: TikTok, University of Michigan, U.S. Olympic Team Trials, World Artistic Gymnastics Championships
