Frederick Richard, a 21-year-old Olympic medalist from Massachusetts, may have just backflipped his way into the record books—and he did it all for a cause close to his heart. Known to fans as “Frederick Flips,” the gymnast completed an incredible 1,111 backflips in 24 hours, surpassing the 1,002 needed to set a new world record. The event, which was live-streamed for fans around the world, wasn’t just about athletic achievement. Richard used the spotlight to raise money for much-needed gymnastics equipment for children in Africa, aiming to make the sport more accessible to those who can’t afford it.
Held in the very gym where Richard began his training, the record-breaking attempt was filled with personal meaning. He even timed his milestone 1,002nd flip to celebrate the birth of his nephew, showing just how deeply family and purpose are tied into his journey. Richard’s mission goes beyond medals—he wants to remove financial barriers so kids everywhere can experience the joy of gymnastics. With help from his community and a fierce dedication to giving back, he’s turning flips into opportunity, one leap at a time.