Olympian Frederick Richard attempts backflip world record to raise money for gymnasts in Africa

Olympic medalist and Team USA gymnast Frederick Richard is aiming to break the Guinness World Record for most standing backflips in 24 hours on May 2 — and he’s flipping for a cause.

Olympian Frederick Richard aims to break the Guinness World Record for most standing backflips for a worthy cause

Known as “Frederick Flips” on social media, the gymnast is live-streaming his efforts to raise funds to provide safe, professional gymnastics equipment and a training facility for underprivileged kids in Africa, many of whom train on dangerous, makeshift surfaces.

“Gymnastics is not cheap. Equipment is expensive,” said Richard in a post on Instagram. “That’s why it’s so hard to get into. We’re trying to change that.”

The 21-year-old needs to average one flip per minute to keep on world record pace. He said the hometown support means the world to him.

“Massachusetts has been a huge part. We’re actually doing this world record in the first gym that I started in,” said Richard. “It’s made this whole journey really fun, honestly a lot easier than it could have been without these people. So it’s been everything.”

Needs 1,002 backflips to break record

Richard needs to complete 1,002 backflips to claim the record and hopes to raise $100,000 in the process. The current record is 1,001.

A live-painting event is just one of the things on the scheduled to keep interest up on the livestream. All of the artwork created, including a piece by Richard himself, will be auctioned off with proceeds going to help train kids in Africa.

Richard expects to complete his world record attempt early Saturday morning.

How to donate

This project is an initiative of the Frederickflips Foundation in partnership with the Dominican Health and Education Initiative (DAHEI).

“With your help, we can change that and give them the resources they need to reach their full potential. We need your support to make this happen,” said Richard on the GoFundMe page.

To donate or learn more visit the GoFundMe fundraiser page here.

Watch Olympian Frederick Richard attempt his goal