Fred ‘Flip’ Richards has always been an innovator, and he’s been living up to that role since the beginning of his career. With nearly 21 years under his belt, he’s already made a name for himself as an Olympic medalist in Paris 2024, bringing home bronze in the team event and helping the United States win its first medal in 16 years. He’s also won bronze in the all-around contest at the World Cup in Antwerp 2023 and bronze in the team event. As one of the few American gymnasts of Black descent to reach the elite level, Richards is now taking on another challenge: breaking a 130-year-old tradition in men’s gymnastics.
The traditional dress code in men’s gymnastics has remained largely unchanged since the sport’s inception, with men competing in tight leotards and T-shirts. The reasoning behind this attire is functionality, as it allows for precise movements and doesn’t obstruct the judges’ view of the athlete’s body. However, Richards is questioning this traditional dress code, and it’s not just about comfort – it’s also about challenging the norms and potentially attracting more people to the sport.
Richards has always been driven to do things that others think are impossible, and he’s referred to himself as the “future of gymnastics.” Before winning his Olympic medal, he declared to the US press that he wanted to be the “Gymnastics Superhero.” Now, he’s drawing inspiration from Michael Jordan, who was famously sanctioned by the NBA for wearing colored shoes that violated the dress code. Richards is taking a similar approach, opting for basketball-style shorts and leggings instead of the traditional leotard.
Despite receiving penalties for his unconventional attire, Richards has still managed to perform well, coming in second in the all-around contest at the Winter Cup 2025 with a score of 79.400. He’s also excelled in specific events, such as the still rings, where he finished second. Richards’ decision to wear more comfortable and practical clothing has sparked a mix of reactions, with some applauding his innovative spirit and others accusing him of homophobia due to the perception that leotards are “female clothing.”
The Reaction to Richards’ New Look
Richards’ announcement on social media, particularly TikTok, generated a lot of buzz and expectation. While some people were excited to see him challenge the traditional dress code, others were more skeptical. The gymnastics community has generally reacted positively to Richards’ innovation, but as with any topic on social media, there are some who have expressed negative opinions. Some have even accused Richards of homophobia, suggesting that he’s changing his attire because he doesn’t want to be perceived as gay due to the association of leotards with female clothing.
It’s worth noting that Richards’ decision to wear more comfortable clothing is not just about personal preference; it’s also about potentially attracting more people to the sport. By breaking with tradition and embracing a more modern and practical approach to attire, Richards may be able to help gymnastics appeal to a wider audience and bring in new fans. As he continues to compete and innovate, it will be interesting to see how the sport evolves and whether his approach becomes more widely accepted.