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Frederick Richard Makes a Statement in More Ways than One en Route to First US Gymnastics Title
Richard posted a 170.015 total and became only the second Black man to win the U.S. all-around title, officials said.
On Saturday in Phoenix, Frederick Richard won his first all-around National Champion title, finishing with a two-day score of 170.015, two points ahead of Tokyo Olympian Shane Wiskus.
Richard's victory marks a resurgence after a disappointing 2025 season when he missed both national and World Championship teams, benefiting from the absence of defending champion Asher Hong and three-time U.S. champion Brody Malone.
Leykin, the 19-year-old, pressured Richard early with a 14.963 high bar score that briefly moved him ahead, but suffered crucial falls on floor exercise that dropped him to third place.
USA Gymnastics plans to announce its World Championship team for Rotterdam, The Netherlands, with Richard widely expected to secure a position on the five-man squad.
Aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, Richard continues promoting gymnastics by wearing shorts featuring his 'Frederick Flips' logo, a choice that costs him 0.3 points per competition.