Olympic bronze medalist Frederick “Flips” Richard isn’t just flipping for medals — he’s flipping for change. The 20-year-old gymnast from Stoughton, Massachusetts, made a jaw-dropping leap into the record books Friday night as he appeared to break the Guinness World Record for most backflips in 24 hours — a staggering 1,111 flips — all while raising awareness and funds for a cause close to his heart.
But this event was more than a solo act — it was a celebration. Boston’s own rising rap artist SeeFour amped up the energy with a special a performance of his unreleased song titled Angel, bringing a wave of local support and cultural pride to the room. The crowd fed off the rhythm, the flips, and the meaning behind it all.
Streaming live across social platforms from Premier Gymnastics, the very gym where he got his start, Richard’s mission was clear: shatter the previous record of 1,001 backflips and raise $100,000 to provide professional gymnastics equipment for children in Africa. Powered by determination, family support, and a relentless drive to give back, he crossed the 1,002 mark just before midnight — and didn’t stop there.
“World record!” he shouted, breathless but beaming, as confetti rained down and supporters roared in celebration.
The moment was deeply personal for Richard, who timed the feat to coincide with another life-changing event: the birth of his nephew, Amir. In an Instagram post, he wrote: “Breaking world record before midnight because I became an uncle today,” Richard said, just before executing his 1,002nd flip.
But this wasn’t just about numbers. Through his FrederickFlips Foundation and in collaboration with the Dominican Health and Education Initiative (DAHEI), Richard is building a bridge between talent and opportunity. His goal? Equip underserved communities in Africa with high-level gear — springboards, trampolines, mats — the same tools that helped propel him to the global stage.
“We’ve broken down the costs,” he explained. “It’s not just the equipment, it’s storage, shipping, logistics. But that’s what it’s going to take to really make a big difference.”
Richard’s vision for the future of gymnastics is bigger than the mat. With over a million followers across platforms, he’s become a vocal advocate for modernizing and destigmatizing the sport, often labeled a “girl’s sport,” and redefining its image through professionalism, performance, and inclusivity. “It’s time we get these kids, these underprivileged areas, some high-level equipment so they have a chance at reaching the international stages — the Olympic stages,” he said in a pre-event post.
Even after hitting the record, Richard continued for another hour, completing a mind-bending 1,111 backflips before finally calling it. The feat was more than physical endurance — it was a testament to heart, heritage, and hope for the next generation.
In his own words: “Let’s keep growing the sport.”
