As the 2024 Paris Olympics draw near, the gymnastics world is excited for blazing showdowns and the return of their favorite stars. In this world dominated by female icons like Simone Biles, Suni Lee, and countless others, one young man is shifting the focus to men’s gymnastics, and that man is Fred Richard.

With over 600K followers on TikTok and earning the title of the youngest USA gymnast to win an individual world medal in the men’s competition, Richard has shone the spotlight on the intricacies of men’s gymnastics like never before. And amid Paris Olympics preparations during Black History Month, Fred Richard delivers a powerful message to the world.

Fred Richard shares a moving message in honor of Black History Month

Recently, Fred Richard was a featured guest on Good Morning America‘s “Celebrating Black History” segment. Host Robin Roberts introduced the gymnastics prodigy and intrigued him with what he loved about the sport. Fred shared how gymnastics continually pushes boundaries and evolves, captivating the audience. As the segment progressed, Robin Roberts shifted the focus, asking Fred about his goals beyond the Olympic stage.

In response, Fred Richard expressed, “So with my sport, men’s gymnastics, going to the Olympics is going to be amazing. Gold medal’s my first goal, but after that, it’s bringing more black kids like me back into the sport.” Reflecting on his own experiences as one of only a few black kids in gymnastics, he expressed his desire for change, stating, “I want that to change.” So how is he gearing up for the Paris 2024 Olympics?

How he has made waves in gymnastics and is paving his path to Paris

Fred Richard made a significant impact at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp, contributing stellar performances in four events to secure a bronze medal for Team USA. Displaying his remarkable skill, the 19-year-old also claimed the bronze medal in the all-around competition, proudly waving the American flag alongside his fellow competitors.

Read more: Banned From American Olympic Team Over Gender, Artistic Swimmer Eyes Paris 2024 Spot

On Good Morning America, Fred Richard shared his plans for Paris 2024 and stated how, with less than five months left, he has been doing everything from “eating right, sleeping right, and putting hours into the gym. Just going all in.” As the 2024 gymnastics season kicks off for Team USA with the Winter Cup, fans eagerly look forward to what lies in store for this young star as he paves his course toward the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Also read: “Fighting for the Rest”: 48-Year-Old Legendary Gymnast Sacrifices 9th Olympics Spot for Younger Generation