In celebration of National Student-Athlete Day (April 6th) we interviewed our 'TURN Titan', Frederick Richard. Read the thought-provoking questions and riveting answers below...

What’s one moment in your gymnastics journey that completely changed your mindset about the sport?

When I stood on the podium at Worlds with a medal around my neck. That moment made me realize this sport isn’t just about routines and scores —it’s about making history, inspiring people, and building a legacy. It flipped the switch from “I want to win” to “I want to be the greatest.”

How do you balance the pursuit of perfection with self-compassion?

I remind myself that perfection isn’t the goal — progress is. Perfection will always move the target, but if I’m growing every day, I’m doing my job. And when I mess up, I treat it like data and a learning experience.

What’s the hardest mental block you’ve ever overcome, and how did you do it?

Honestly, learning to trust myself again after injuries. The body might heal faster than the mind. I had to rebuild belief —rep by rep, set by set— until I felt untouchable again. I felt this most with my fractured back when I was 14.

If you could give advice to your younger self before he started competing, what would it be?

Stop trying to fit in. The thing that makes you different is the thing that’ll make you legendary. Embrace it early.

What’s something you’ve learned through gymnastics that has changed the way you approach life outside of the sport?

Discipline doesn’t limit your freedom — it creates it. I’ve learned that showing up consistently, even when I don’t feel like it, is what builds confidence and opens doors in life just like it does in the gym.

Can you describe the exact emotions you feel when standing in front of the judges before a big routine?

It’s a mix of calm chaos — my body’s buzzing, heart’s racing, but my mind is locked in. I tell myself: “This is the moment. This is why you train. Let’s make it unforgettable.”

Do you have a personal ritual or mantra that helps you stay grounded under pressure?

Yeah — “Do what’s never been done.” That line grounds me and hypes me at the same time. It reminds me why I’m here.

How do you process mistakes—do they fuel you, frustrate you, or something in between?

They fuel me. I’ve learned to take the emotion and channel it into fire for the next set. I don’t let mistakes define me—they refine me.

When you’re struggling with motivation, what keeps you showing up to the gym every day?

My vision. I see the future version of me—the one who’s made history—and I know he’s only real if I put the work in today. That version of me demands that I show up.

What does ‘confidence’ mean to you in gymnastics? Has that definition changed over time?

Confidence used to mean “I've made 100 good ones, I can do it.” Now it means “I’ve done 1000 and learned from every one, even the bad ones.” 

Is there a specific gymnast (past or present) whose journey inspires you?

Simone Biles. Not just because she’s the GOAT, but because she did it her way — breaking boundaries, setting new standards, and staying unapologetically herself the whole time.

If your gymnastics career were a book, what would the title be?

'On the Flip Side: Pushing Limits, Building Legacy'

What’s one lesson you hope younger gymnasts take from watching you compete?

That greatness isn’t reserved for anyone — you can claim it if you’re willing to work like no one else and take it yourself.

If you could redefine one thing about gymnastics, what would it be?

I’d blur the lines between sport and entertainment. Gymnastics deserves to be felt as much as it’s judged. Let the athletes show personality, celebrate more, connect with the crowd.

What’s a skill that challenged you the most, but made you stronger in the end?

Airflare on floor. No coach knew how to teach me it. I learned it off youtube and realized you can learn anything if you put your mind to it and stay consistent.

Is there a specific song or type of music that gets you into your best competitive mindset?

“Am I dreaming” by Metro Boomin. It feels euphoric.

What’s one underrated skill in gymnastics that you think deserves more recognition?

Handstand lines on every event. It’s something I still haven't perfected and admire other gymnasts for. Having a perfectly flat and sharp handstand line.

What’s your favorite thing about the training grind that most people don’t understand?

It’s where the real transformation happens. You’re not just building skills—you’re building your identity. 

If you could create a completely new event in gymnastics, what would it be?

A freestyle floor+parkour fusion event. No rules, just flow, flips, and freedom. Let athletes show off athleticism and creativity at the same time.

If gymnastics had walkout songs like other sports, what would yours be?

“God Did”  by DJ Khaled. It’s dramatic, powerful, and feels like a mission statement.

What’s a pre-competition superstition you have (or used to have)?

I used to think I did much better if I drank green tea in the morning. 

If you could trade skills with any gymnast in the world for a day, whose and which skill would you pick?

Zou Jingyuan’s parallel bars rhythm and form. That man is a machine on P-bars.

If gymnastics didn’t exist, what sport do you think you’d excel at?

I think I would have been a good boxer. I’m good at balancing small variables and details. Plus I’m fast and explosive.