Fred Richard Challenges 130-Year-Old Gymnastics Uniform Norms at Winter Cup

The Olympic bronze medalist debuted a groundbreaking hybrid uniform, sparking discussions about tradition and innovation in the sport.

Fred Richard, a 20-year-old Olympic bronze medalist, wore a nontraditional hybrid uniform at the 2025 Winter Cup, departing from the century-old standard singlet and pants.
The new uniform featured a loose tank top, mid-thigh shorts, and white leggings, inspired by basketball and soccer aesthetics, aiming to make gymnastics attire more relatable and marketable.
Richard received a six-tenths point deduction for the uniform, as it violated the International Gymnastics Federation's strict guidelines, though he still placed second after day one of the competition.
The gymnast expressed his intent to push for a rule change, envisioning a future where his team could wear the new uniform at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, pending approval from governing bodies.
Fans largely supported Richard's bold move, praising his efforts to modernize gymnastics and make the sport more inclusive and comfortable for athletes.