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Vision: a word that elicits several definitions, the most common being the ability to see and the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom. Vision guides human beings to fulfill the purpose meant for them on earth.
Frederick Richard, the 20-year-old gymnastics sensation from Stoughton, Massachusetts, is living out a life vision right before our eyes.
The Olympic Bronze medalist from the 2024 Paris Games has taken on a project that speaks volumes to his growth as a man of vision in this world. The son of Carl Richard, from Haiti and Brooklyn, New York, and Anne-Marie Richard, from the Commonwealth of Dominica, Fred Richard is utilizing his fame, wealth and abilities to attract financially influential individuals to a visionary project. This endeavor involves building a gymnastics facility in Uganda.
“This all started when I met people at the Paris Olympic Games and learned about the children of Uganda and their enthusiasm for gymnastics,” said Fred. “I decided to commit myself to the cause of helping them in a special way.”
Frederick Richard stands with his Bronze medal Olympic teammates in Paris, France. PHOTO: THE RICHARD FAMILY
When asked, “Why not bring your commitment home to the United States, your home country? Fred responded, “I plan to expand my ideas of promoting gymnastics to America, but I felt at this time, there was a greater need for my resources in the poverty-stricken country of Uganda.”
He continued, “After I visited the country and performed a show with the children, I was moved to do something. What is most important is that the children of Uganda get the opportunity to develop their gymnastic skills. Their enthusiasm and work ethic truly impressed me and made me realize that I could use my global popularity and money to support this worthy cause. This is just phase one of my vision to promote gymnastics on a worldwide scale.”
All this comes on the heels of Fred Richard’s success at his craft in America and on the international stage. The two-time NCAA Division One Individual Gymnastics Champion credits his parents and family for much of his success.
“When we went to the Olympics as a family, I grew up a lot, just knowing that their love and support was always there — spurring me on,” he said.
And while Fred has performed before crowds numbering in the thousands for most of his collegiate career at the University of Michigan, the Olympics were a different experience.
“The Olympics were surreal and magical,” said his mother, Anne-Marie.
Fred’s father, Carl, said, “Watching our son perform before the world and realizing all it took for him to reach his goal was one of the proudest moments of my entire life.”
And what has life been like for the Richard family since young Fred’s medal-winning performance in Paris?
“Not much has changed physically, but we have focused on Frederick’s future dreams and helping him to achieve them,” said Anne-Marie. Carl agrees: “As a family, we are preparing to support Frederick in all his pursuits as he prepares for a bigger stage.”
Meanwhile, the young star realizes what is expected of him as a role model, especially for children. “There have been significant changes in my life. But my main focus remains on improving my technical gymnastics skills,” said Fred, “especially with the upcoming U.S. National Championships next month in New Orleans and the World Championships in Indonesia in October.”
The humble young gymnastics star remains grounded due to life lessons taught to him by equally humble parents.
“I’m not surprised by my son’s success. As a child, we taught him always to be humble and, as he grew to adulthood, to remember that life is more than medals — it is about how you carry yourself,” said Anne-Marie.
“Sometimes I look at Fred and wonder, how does he do all that he does?” said his father. “And the same answer always comes back to me: He is blessed by God, and we are blessed that he is our son.”
The Olympic star’s vision of being a global figure is now a reality. His dream to bring gymnastics to millions around the world is also taking shape. His quest for Olympic Gold Medals in the 2028 Los Angeles Games remains his primary focus, but not an obsession.
“I said it before the Paris Olympic Games, and I say it now: My dream is to win an Olympic Gold Medal. I’ll focus on getting that done in 2028 when I’ll be older and more experienced than I was in the Paris Games. Until that time. I’ll stay humble while I attempt to bring more diversity to gymnastics,” Fred said.
Regardless of how his life story unfolds, Frederick Richard will remain a man of incredible vision.
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