Fred Richard (left) and Jordan Chiles (right) are crowned national champions during the men’s and women’s national championships in April. (© Amy Sanderson, © Matthew Smith)
Michigan freshman Fred Richard and UCLA sophomore Jordan Chiles are Gymnastics Now’s NCAA Gymnasts of the Year.
The awards were decided by a majority vote of the Gymnastics Now staff, including our editor, writers, and photographer, with each member of the team picking a men’s and women’s gymnast who was undeniably outstanding for their team and individually this season – from start to finish.
Richard was a unanimous pick among the staff after a remarkable freshman campaign that ended with three national titles on parallel bars, high bar, and in the all-around.
“Three-time national champion Fred Richard led Michigan to a Big Ten title and runner-up finish at NCAAs this season, completing one of the best freshman campaigns in recent history,” NCAA men’s writer Alex Wittenberg said. “Richard improved throughout the season to attain the poise he displayed at championships, and we’re choosing him as Gymnast of the Year for both his remarkable postseason performance and his steady progress all year.
“The Boston native worked hard this season to refine his considerable raw talents and construct difficult routines that he could execute elegantly. The results of his diligence were evident to all: Richard appeared utterly unflappable on his way to winning two Big Ten and three NCAA titles. Fred Richard deserves the Gymnast of the Year award for his proven ability to hit big routines when it counts the most.”
The women’s vote was split between Chiles and Florida fifth-year senior Trinity Thomas, who tied the NCAA all-time perfect 10 record in her final competition at nationals. Ultimately, Chiles was selected after examining both gymnast’s season-long performances; the 22-year-old competed in the all-around in all 14 of UCLA’s meets this season, earning five perfect 10s, averaging a 39.675 in the all-around, and winning national titles on bars and floor.
“We chose Jordan Chiles as Gymnast of the Year because we believe she truly embodies what NCAA gymnastics is all about,” NCAA women’s writer Hannah Johnson said. “Chiles always displays great sportsmanship, even going as far as cheering for individuals from competing teams. She was integral in the national resurgence of UCLA under first-year head coach Janelle McDonald. Chiles competed in the all-around in every single meet this year, never scoring below a 39.15 and falling just once. Chiles is no stranger to big scores, and when she gets them, she truly earns them. I think there is no better recipient of this award.”
