PHOENIX — Olympic bronze medalist Fred Richard has a new title.
Richard handily won his first all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships Saturday, Aug. 8. His two-day combined score of 170.015 was two points ahead of Tokyo Olympian Shane Wiskus. Up-and-comer Danila Leykin was third, at 167.001 points.
Richard was all but assured of winning the title after Leykin botched his floor routine, the second event of the night. Richard just needed to be clean the rest of the night, which he was, putting up solid scores on every event. After landing his vault, his final event, Richard threw his arms wide and roared, a huge grin on his face.
Richard didn't lock his spot on the U.S. team for the world championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands — he also
needed to finish in the top three on three or more events and only did that on floor exercise — but is all but assured of being on the five-man team that will be announced later Saturday.
Though Richard is a three-time NCAA all-around champion, a U.S. title had eluded him. He was third in 2023, and the runner-up the last two years. With defending champion Asher Hong injured and three-time U.S. champion Brody Malone taking the year off, however, Richard was the heavy favorite coming into the meet.
Frederick Richard had ALL the energy! 🙌
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) August 9, 2026
📺 U.S. Gymnastics Championships on Peacock & NBCSN pic.twitter.com/ucvPAj5sBg
The 19-year-old Leykin made things interesting, however, finishing the first night just 0.153 points behind Richard. He didn't waste any time throwing down a challenge to Richard on Saturday, performing a dazzling high bar routine that drew oohs and aahs from the crowd.
Leykin's 14.963 actually moved him ahead of Richard. But the battle between the two ended on the next event. Leykin was low on his first tumbling pass on floor exercise, nearly landing on his knees. His feet slipped out from under him on the landing of his second, and he plopped to the floor.
His 11.65 dropped him three points behind Richard, and Richard's first title was all but assured.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paris Olympics bronze medalist Fred Richard wins first US all-around title
