Olympian Fred Richard Aims For Backflip World Record To Benefit African Gymnasts

On May 2, one of the nation’s top male gymnasts will flip for a cause.

Fred Richard, known for leading Team USA to the bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will attempt to break the Guinness World Record for most standing backflips completed in 24 hours.

The Massachusetts native will attempt the record at roughly 5 p.m. ET at Premier Gymnastics in Stoughton, his hometown. Richard and his team have indicated that a livestream will be available on various social media platforms.

Fundraising For Ugandan Athletes

The Olympic and World medalist’s stunt isn’t just for bragging rights.

Richard hopes to generate donations upwards of $100,000 to bring gymnastics equipment to children in Africa.

Over the past months, Richard has created social media content highlighting the gymnastics skills of gymnasts from Clon Circus Uganda, a foundation “dedicated to supporting street kids and orphans in finding purpose and a brighter future.

Through a series of social media posts, Richard highlighted the discrepancies between his training equipment and the training facilities for the athletes at Clon Circus. While U.S. athletes have mats and state-of-the-art equipment, the Clon Circus athletes attempt complex gymnastics skills on dirt.

“We all have potential, it’s the environment we’re in that determines the outcome,” Richard posted, supported by videos of talented Clon Circus gymnasts.

The Frederick Flips Foundation has opened a GoFundMe dedicated to harvesting contributions before and during Friday’s event. As of Thursday evening, the fundraiser has raised just under $10,000.

“Right now, many of these talented young athletes train on makeshift setups like tires and other unsafe surfaces,” the fundraiser reads. “With your help, we can change that and give them the resources they need to reach their full potential.”

The foundation works in partnership with the Dominican Health and Education Initiative (DAHEI). It specifies that donations “will go toward securing gymnastics equipment and a facility for the kids to train.”

Trailblazing On And Off The Mat

One of the most successful American male gymnasts in recent history, Richard continues to accumulate accolades within his sport.

Last month, Richard helped the University of Michigan Men’s Gymnastics team to its seventh NCAA National Championship. He also clinched the men’s all-around title over 2024 Olympic teammate Paul Juda.

In 2023, Richard became the first American man to medal in the individual all-around at the World Championships since 2010. He also played a pivotal role in clinching the first World medal for the U.S. men’s team since 2014.

Richard is also a social media sensation. Widely considered the most prominent male gymnastics influencer in the world, he boasts a combined 1.5 million followers on Instagram and TikTok. In 2024, Time honored Richard as one of the most influential emerging stars in popular culture.

Before he achieved mainstream status at the Paris Olympics, Bloomberg reported that Richard earned “roughly $6,000 a month from social media platforms.” He has worked with prominent brands like Crocs, Celsius Energy Drinks, and Peloton, but also owns an apparel line, Frederick Flips.

On Friday, Richard hopes to channel his staggering following into tangible change.