Noah Lyles is always one to tell it like it is, but when it came to gymnast Fred Richard’s idea for a “National Backflip Day” on December 21, there was nothing to tell. Lyles was all in. The challenge was easy: Share videos of yourself backflipping, tag Richard, the backflip world record holder’s social handles, and use the hashtag #NationalBackflipDay. And guess what? Some big names are already on board.

Lyles recently posted a short clip on his Instagram story where he says, “What’s up, Freddie… this is for you, man,” before launching into a perfect backflip on the pavement. “Happy National Backflip Day,” said Lyles at the end.

But joining Richard himself at the gym to launch the newly declared ‘holiday’ was figure skater Ilia Malinin, the reigning world champion, who knows a thing or two about backflipping himself, having frequently incorporated them into his programs.

Before performing one, there were some conditions for both athletes. Richard was tasked with mimicking Malinin’s figure skating backflip – a standard one-rotation acrobatic flip that he does on ice. Malinin, however, took on Richard’s more challenging gymnastics flip – a round off back full.

First, Malinin observed Richard’s (off-ice) recreation, giving it a 9/10. Then it was Malinin’s turn; he completed the round-off full, initially scoring a 9.99/10 by Richard and later upgraded to a perfect 10/10. So, why this challenge, and why on this day?

“National Backflip Day will be held on Dec. 21 due to the numerical flipping of the day’s 12/21 numbers and how the seasons also flip from fall to winter on this date,” read the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s press release.

Not only that, but Richard livestreamed all day on his various social media channels, and those who participated in the challenge had the chance to be featured on it.

Anyone could participate in the challenge, not just by backflipping, but also by flipping other things such as a coin, a water bottle, or even a pancake. But behind the fun was the much bigger motive to raise funds, because every flip video was matched up to 10,000 flips and up to $10,000 by a United States Olympic & Paralympic Foundation (USOPF) NextGen Council donor.

That the revenue will go into the Team USA Fund, which directly helps U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes and programs.

The initiative was Richard’s idea, which came to life after Team USA came on board. And while Noah Lyles was quick to join in, this isn’t the first time he’s come to Richard’s support.

How Noah Lyles helped guide Fred Richard to Olympic success

Fred Richard had already brought excitement and accessibility to gymnastics through his fun videos and community engagement. His fame only increased after being part of the gymnastics team that bagged bronze in Paris, marking the first team medal in 16 years for Team USA. But believe it or not, it was Noah Lyles’ advice that helped Richard get there.

Richard started the 81 Days to the Olympics training program with Lyles in May 2024, and he condensed the whole process into an Instagram reel. Lyles critiqued his vault running form on FaceTime, saying to him, “What are your arms doing, man? before assuring him, “I’ll get you right.”

Lyles also provided Richard with a workout routine to follow. Despite the grind, Richard complimented Lyles as being brutally honest, which made him work harder to run better and produce more power in vaults.

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But even before that, Richard posted a video where Lyles accompanied him to the gym. attempting to do gymnastic-based challenges. In it, Richard took the sprinter through a series of exercises such as muscle-ups, handstands, and handstand push-ups.

Of course, there was no better teacher than the man who, in May 2025, broke the Guinness World Record for the most standing backflips in 24 hours. He broadcasted it on a live stream and was able to do 1,111 flips, on top of the already existing record of 100. The effort was not only an endeavor to break the record but also an attempt to raise funds for young African gymnasts who do not have proper equipment.

So it’s no surprise that Fred Richard was once again at it with the launch of the National Backflip Day, and even less of a surprise that Noah Lyles was one of the first to join in.