His being named to the US Olympic team is not the first major milestone in his already successful career. The University of Michigan rising junior was named the 2024 NCAA Gymnast of the Year and was the NCAA all-around champion in 2023. He was also the youngest U.S. man to win an all-around medal at the Artistic World Championships, taking home bronze.
Olympic watchers have already pointed out unfair coverage for Richard as he was not given an interview at the podium with the rest of his teammates and was referred to as cocky during his vault performance.
“Flips” has been wowing his fans on social media for years but will now have the opportunity to cement himself in history books. The Boston native is not shying away from what his platform can mean to Black boys who don’t often see themselves represented.
