Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard sets world record, raises $50K for Ugandan youth

Olympic medalist Frederick Richard has made history, breaking a Guinness World Record while raising more than $50,000 to expand access to gymnastics for underprivileged youth in Uganda.

Olympic Gymnast Frederick Richard Raises $50K for Ugandan Youth

In May, Richard set the record for most standing backflips completed in 24 hours. This feat surpassed the previous mark of 1,002 flips. His achievement served a larger purpose. It powered a fundraising effort to support young gymnasts in Africa.

Richard traveled to Uganda on June 12 to celebrate the milestone and personally deliver the donated funds. In partnership with the Gymnastics Association of Uganda, he is helping build the country’s first fully equipped training facility in Kampala. The project aims to establish gymnastics as a national sport and create long‑term opportunities for youth.

The Initiative

Richard’s initiative focuses on providing proper equipment, coaching, and safe training spaces for young athletes who currently train in makeshift conditions. His efforts have earned praise from the global gymnastics community, with supporters stressing the need for accessibility and inclusion in the sport.

Key goals of the initiative

• Build Uganda’s first fully equipped gymnastics facility
• Provide safe equipment and trained coaches
• Expand access for youth who lack formal training spaces
• Promote gymnastics as a national sport

GoFundMe campaign information

The GoFundMe campaign remains active and continues to support Richard’s mission. It has raised $58,000 toward its $100,000 goal as of June 17.

To learn more, visit the GoFundMe page.