Parallel Perspectives

TURN has had a special idea in its vaults since 2019. Former University of Illinois, Chicago gymnast and summer intern, Orion Wells, was tasked with researching 'sports uniform changes over the last few decade's. After much surveying, discussion and examination –  the prototype was conceived and a graphic artist brought it to two dimensional life (see below).

The missing piece for a while was an enthusiastic advocate with a desire to push the boundaries of what’s conventional. 

Enter... Frederick Richard.

Frederick Richard is an unbelievably accomplished gymnast, who has yet to enter his true prime at just the age of 20. What he’s done as a gymnast, at the junior, collegiate, U.S. elite, and even global-level is remarkable as it stands, but he’s aiming for more than that. Richard wants to leave a legacy beyond just his gymnastics routines - he wants to be one of the biggest faces in the sport, ever. By building his own brand, labeled “Frederick Flips”, Richard has millions of followers across social media channels. He also hosted a competition at Springfield College as we discussed a few weeks ago. None of those additional methods of involvement, though, have as much controversy as this new uniform. 

In case you missed it, Richard announced within the weeks leading up to Winter Cup 2025 that he would debut this TURN-partnered uniform at the event. This is an intentionally loose uniform, with potential to confuse judges and call into question possible deductions. 

Here is the technical information as to where deductions are incurred:

• The FIG Code Of Points does not define a singlet as being form fitted. Therefore a looser fitting singlet/tank is not deductible. 
  
• The FIG Code Of Points does not state long pants as requiring stirrups or having to be loose. Therefore 'base layer'-style leggings are not deductible. 
  

The following two rule changes would be required however:

• Redefining "option of wearing short pants with or without socks or long gymnastics pants with socks on Floor Exercise and Vault" to being an option on all six events as long as base layer leggings are worn with the shorts on PH, SR, PB, and HB.
  
• The rule "competition attire must be identical for members from the same federation in the Qualifications and Team Final Competitions." changed to a looser term such as "identical in design".

Even still, Richard chose to debut this uniform for many reasons. Primarily, Richard wants to innovate the sport, protect boys from being bullied for wearing tight competitive attire, and truly just feel comfortable while performing the sport he’s put so much effort into. However, the gymnastics public seems to have mixed feelings regarding this new uniform, how it looks the reasoning behind it.

Concerns and Criticisms

• The Pre-Hype and The Fit

Prior to Winter Cup, Richard announced and teased the idea of this new uniform. He mentioned innovation as a key-change involved, though many fans believe there was not enough change or innovation to warrant such dramatic announcements. Some fans went as far as saying it looks eerily similar to a basketball uniform. The gymnastics community and fans have balked at a sleeveless top that isn’t as skin-tight as ‘typical’ gymnastics singlets, and shorts that are slightly looser and longer. Another notable aspect was the compression tight base layer that some believed to be a hit-or-miss depending on the color. Some say the absence of stirrups across the feet and the matching socks creates an unpleasant and unnecessary 'break in the line' of a gymnasts form.

• The Performance

After a second-place finish at Winter Cup, it’s truly hard to complain about performance and blame it on the uniform. Sure Frederick had a few execution deductions, and the obvious uniform deductions from both days of competition, that led to a silver medal in an otherwise-fantastic performance. Richard would argue these mistakes had nothing to do with the uniform and at the end of the day, only he will ever know. 

• Professionalism and History

The sport of gymnastics has a long history. Even the oldest uniforms looked similar to modern-day uniforms prior to this debut. It is because of this history that makes people so hesitant toward a change. Additionally, gymnastics is seen as a very professional sport: judges are wearing suits, athletes aren’t allowed to speak (or give much emotion at all for that matter) during routines, and competitions are run with a professional mindset. This uniform, in some opinions, muffles that unique "polished decorum" that so many have come to appreciate about the sport. 

Enthusiasm, Curiosity and Support

• A Discernible Change

There is no doubt this is one of the most drastic uniform changes we’ve seen. From doing away with the suspenders, to socks for floor and vault, to arm bands and grip protectors, whatever ideas you’ve seen in the past... this feels more impactful. It's putting the comfort of athletes first and foremost.

• Athlete-Lead Design

This TURN x Frederick Flips collab was designed intentionally, with the athletes' experiences in mind. The goal for TURN is to continuously 'raise the bar' when it comes to men's gymnastics apparel and lead the industry in every aspect, from design execution and design details, to fabrication quality and craftsmanship. TURN is already renowned for setting new standards for all traditional men’s gymnastics uniforms, and with Frederick's ambition in tow, TURN would like to offer up more options to competitors of all ages!

• The Message

Aside from how it looks or feels, the message behind this uniform cannot go unannounced. Many young male gymnasts in the U.S. face social stigma from their peers simply for being gymnasts—but could a fresh take on uniforms help shift perceptions and elevate the sport’s mainstream appeal? Selling "singlet replicas" to the general public is downright laughable, but a tank might be something familiar enough to get the fanbase showing more support via merchandise too.

• ‘Grace Period’

This is just the first iteration of a bold new uniform concept—future updates and improvements are likely. As it gains visibility through social media and competition, familiarity will drive acceptance, especially if athletes feel the benefits and it proves its performance on the floor. TURN is actively working with the Collegiate Gymnastics Association to have it approved for NCAA competition next season, not as a replacement, but as an individual athlete option, just like track and field athletes who wear a unified team design, but have the personal choice on various different product fit variations. The final hurdle and perhaps the toughest mountain to conquer, will be to have the concept FIG approved!

For Richard, gymnastics is means more to him than scores. In the midst of his career, he is growing a strong legacy outside of just his competitiveness, and changes like this will only emphasize that concept. Will this uniform change grow into something TURN and Richard are praised for? Only time will tell. 

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Edited by Andrea Vidovic

Head of Brand & Marketing for TURN

Written by Aiden Whitehead

Principal Staff Writer for TURN

About Aiden

Hello gymnastics fans! I’m Aiden and I’m super excited to join the team at TURN as the 'Principal Staff Writer'. I began competing gymnastics at the age of six and immediately fell in love with the sport. I am currently in the midst of my senior season as a competitor, serving my third year as a team captain for the Georgia United GymACT team. Last December, I graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management, with Sports Media Certification as well. I've already acquired a few years of media experience, working a variety of roles with GymACT, Virtius, and Neutral Deductions. In addition to competing, I am an active women’s team coach at Oconee Gymnastics Center, as well as the Technical Director of the Georgia Men’s Gymnastics Judging Association. Evidently — even though I am competing, coaching, and judging — I can never get enough of this sport, so I’m excited to take this new role as well!