The gymnastic world was left in wonderment as gymnast Fred Richard walked home with the all-around bronze at the 2023 World Gymnastics Championships. The 19-year-old, who had nothing but the best maneuvers up his sleeves last season, will be looking to compete at the Paris Olympics.

But recently, his absence from the Winter Cup list concerned fans. His ruling out followed a minor injury, which may have posed a problem. Missing out on the US Gymnastics Championships qualifier made him earn a position on the AAU James E. Sullivan Award list. If one door closes, another opens.

Fred Richard has a high chance of bagging the Sullivan Award

USA Gym took to its Instagram handle to post, “Fred Richard is a semi-finalist for the 94th AAU James E. Sullivan Award! Public voting is NOW OPEN! Head to the link in our bio to help us get @frederickflips to the next round of the #AAUSullivanAward competition!” Known as the ‘Oscar’ of sports, the most outstanding collegiate athlete gets a chance to earn this honor. Richard, for his class apart performances at the World Championships and the Junior Pan-Am, has automatically steered his name as a top favorite.

Competing for the Michigan Wolverines since the 2022-2023 season, Richard’s DTB Pokal Team Challenge performance, was a notable one. Having started competing at the global stage from the Xfinity National Championships, his track record until now has cemented his status in the annals of history. At the World Championships last year, Fred Richard anchored his team to a bronze finish, contributing scores on all four events. Since 2010, Richard became the first US man to bag a World all-around. He has someone from the gymnastics realm he doffs his hat to, though.

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Derives inspiration from Simone Biles

Through his clothing brand Frederick Flips, the 19-year-old aims to take his sport to new heights. But the gymnastic virtuoso Simone Biles may be another reason behind his accomplishments. Said, “It looks like she’s just showing off to the world and that’s what I’m trying to replicate. I want to eventually get to that level where I’m just performing for you guys and the gold medal is set.”

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Eyeing the Paris Olympics, even top women gymnasts like Biles, Shilese Jones and Jade Carey have withdrawn from the Winter Cup. But the real battle begins in July at the French capital. Fellow Olympian Gabby Thomas is making her comeback after a couple of years, so the contention is adrenaline-fuelled this time.

Watch this story: Inching Closer to Simone Biles and Shilese Jones, Gymnastics’ Rising Star Unveils Her Next Steps