“It’s decided! I’m breaking the backflip world record,” declared 20-year-old Fred Richard, eyes lit with the same spark that’s powered his flips and flair since day one. In an Instagram reel on March 23, Richard announced his next feat: surpassing the current 24-hour backflip record of 1,001. But here’s the twist—he’s not going for 1,002. “I gotta get some number way further so no one comes near it for a while,” he said, grinning like a man on a mission. At first, fans weren’t sure. Turns out he is all serious. Fast forward to April, Fred Richard, the Stoughton native, is all in. And now, he’s revealed the timeline!

On April 10, Fred Richard popped up on Instagram in a blue hoodie, speaking straight from the heart. “On May 2nd, I’m breaking the world record for most backflips in 24 hours to raise money to get kids in Africa some high-quality equipment,” he said. Yes! He is all in on breaking the current record of 1,001, which was set by Nico Scheicher in 2019. The video was more than just Fred talking. It showed flashes of him doing backflips, viral streamer IShowSpeed giving it a try at a World Record, and even kids in Africa practicing gymnastics moves on bricks. It was raw, honest, and full of energy. In his caption, Fred wrote: “I was given a gift and it’s time to use it. Over 16 hours straight of backflips. The outcome will be so much greater than just a record. We will unite a community and give opportunities to so many that deserve it.”

But why do something so intense, especially with the Home Olympics around the corner in three years? Fred asked himself in the reel: “Why am I risking my body for something unrelated to the Olympics if I’m trying to become the best in my sport?” Then came the answer—real and straight from the soul. “I love this sport, and all I do is follow this code book. Point your toes, be perfect, stick the landing, be very strict to this code.”

“The skill we’ve attained with our bodies, you can do so much more than just the code book,” he added. Well, we have seen it. Don’t we? At the Winter Cup earlier this year, Fred made headlines not for medals but for what he wore: a loose tank top, shorts, and pommel horse pants. A bold move in a sport built on tradition. He took a deduction for breaking the dress code but stood by it, choosing self-expression over points. “I want to do these other things outside of the code book, and if I get to do that and actually, you know, have a big impact from it, why not do that?”

But as Fred pushed further beyond the codebook, his next big move had fans genuinely concerned.

Fans are concerned as Fred Richard goes for a World Record

When Fred Richard announced he’d attempt over 1,000 backflips in 24 hours- yes, one thousand, to support young gymnasts in Africa- fans were equal parts inspired and anxious. One comment summed it up best: “I’m glad it’s for a good cause, but hopefully he knows his limits and doesn’t get injured 😅.”

That’s the tightrope Fred seems to be walking, somewhere between incredible ambition and real physical risk. “Damn. That’s a LOT of backflips!” another fan posted. “Over 40 an hour. And a cool cause he’s supporting with it.” The math is mind-boggling, but so is the heart behind the mission. In his reel, Richard made it clear this wasn’t about clout. It was about using his gift to build something bigger: opportunity.

Still, the concerns kept bubbling. “Hope he doesn’t get hurt. Also hope he can break the record, I believe in him!!” said one user. The belief is strong, but so is the worry. And rightly so. Gymnastics pushes the body to the brink even in regular competition. What is Fred attempting? It’s never been done like this before. But then, Fred’s never just done what’s expected. At the Winter Cup, he took a deduction to wear what he felt represented him best. Now, he’s stepping outside the code again, only this time, it’s not just style but it’s stamina.

“He is very, very young and sometimes that shows,” one thoughtful fan wrote. “But I love his enthusiasm. He’s bringing more eyes to men’s gymnastics in a good way. And the way he respects women athletes? That’s rare and refreshing.”