Frederick Richard makes a statement in more ways than one en route to first US gymnastics title

PHOENIX (AP) — Frederick Richard won his first U.S. men’s gymnastics all-around title Saturday night, flashing the form he believes can make him a contender at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The 22-year-old Richard, a key member of the men’s team that earned bronze at the Paris Games two summers ago, posted a two-day total of 170.015, two points clear of runner-up Shane Wiskus and three points ahead of promising newcomer Danila Leykin.

The charismatic, socially-media savvy Richard has made it his mission to bring his sport to a larger audience. That includes breaking norms — and the rules — by ditching the traditional stirrup pants on a handful of events in favor of shorts and compression leggings, all under a singlet featuring his “Frederick Flips” logo.

The fashion statement costs Richard three-tenths (0.3) every competition he does it, a move that he has unequivocally said is worth it to bring visibility to a side of the sport that often operates in the shadow of the more popular women’s program.

After Thursday night’s opening round — when he found himself just two-tenths (0.2) ahead of the 19-year-old Leykin — Richard doubled down, saying he would sacrifice a national championship if t...