Get the latest Boston sports news
Receive updates on your favorite Boston teams, straight from our newsroom to your inbox.
Here’s how Olympic gymnastics star Frederick Richard is being celebrated in Stoughton
"Frederick Richard Day" will take place on Oct. 6 at his old high school.
One of Team USA’s biggest gymnastics stars, Frederick Richard returned to his hometown of Stoughton this week to celebrate the men’s team’s historic Olympic bronze — their first medal since 2008.
A local restaurant, J&G Hillside Grill, held a meet-and-greet with the gymnast on Thursday night, with his family, friends and fans among the attendees.
But the celebrations don’t end there. On Oct. 6, Stoughton High School, Richard’s alma mater, will host a celebration from 12 to 2 p.m. This will be known as “Frederick Richard Day.”
The ceremony, free of charge, will consist of a rally and speeches from Richard, his family and community members. The gymnast will also be presented with a key to the town, and the school will establish an educational scholarship in his name.
Advertisement:
Richard helped the U.S. men’s gymnastics team earn 257.793 overall points at the Paris Games last month, placing them in third behind Japan and China. He also competed in the individual all-around final, where he finished in 15th with 82.166 points.
The 20-year-old, who has amassed a large social media following under the handle @frederickflips, wants to see more men in the sport and is proud that he could be at the forefront of that shift.
“I’ve grown up my whole life wishing there were some Black gymnasts dominating the sport on the men’s side, that I can look up to, wishing that the sport was 20 times bigger,” he told the Boston Globe. “Now I have an opportunity to contribute to that and make that happen.”
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com