Olympic medalist Frederick ‘Flips' Richard honored in hometown of Stoughton

Frederick "Flips" Richard is one of the Massachusetts natives who put New England on the map for men's gymnastics during the Paris Olympics.

Sunday, he was honored by his hometown of Stoughton, where Oct. 6 will forever be known as Frederick Richard Day.

The Olympic bronze medalist was back in Massachusetts to show off his moves at his alma mater, Stoughton High School, where he hopes to inspire the next generation.

"It feels like a full circle moment, I am back in the place that I grew up and now I'm teaching the kids and I'm incredibly grateful," he said. "I am having so much fun seeing everybody I haven't seen in so long."

The 20-year-old was joined Sunday by his parents who say this is just the beginning and that he has much more to achieve.

"This has always been Fred's dream to bring more eyes to gymnastics and he really, really wants to inspire the next generation," his mom said.

Richard spoke to local students to answer their questions and introduce the Frederick Richard educational scholarship.

​"Frederick is representing Stoughton on the national stage... we are just really proud of him," Stoughton High principal Juliette Miller said.

Now to go with that bronze medal, Richard has a key to the town - forever marking his huge accomplishment for Stoughton.

"Dream big and plan big... it really can happen. Put the right plan together and you just give everything," he said.