Fred Richard says he's 'thankful' for unexpected encounter with Jill Biden at Paris 2024 Olympics

PARIS, FRANCE: Jill Biden surprised Team USA men's gymnastics while they competed in their qualification round at the Paris 2024 Olympics on Saturday, July 27.

The first lady attended the event at Paris’ Bercy Arena to cheer on Fred Richard, Asher Hong, Paul Juda, Brody Malone, and Stephen Nedoroscik, according to People.

Fred Richard opens up on his conversation with Jill Biden

After Jill Biden surprised the team with a meeting at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Richard said, “That was pretty sick."

“I mean, I did not expect today that I would meet the first lady, but I’m very thankful for the opportunity and I’m glad they're watching. I mean, that’s powerful too," he told reporters.

Richard, 20, shared that Biden had kind words and encouragement during their conversation.

“[She said] that she’s very proud of me and was impressed and that means a lot. I wish I showed her a cooler floor routine! Today I was a little.. Yeah, but it’s alright," the gymnast revealed.

Despite his self-critique, Richard had a successful day on the mats, scoring an impressive 14.166 on high bar.

The team is currently at second position in the all-around rankings with 253.229.

Teammates react to Jill Biden's surprise visit

Paul Judda, Fred Richard's teammate both on Team USA and at the University of Michigan, also expressed his surprise at meeting Biden.

“I’m still in shock. They were like, ‘Oh, you’re celebrities!’ And I was like, ‘No, I’m just a gymnast from Deerfield, Illinois. I’m just an American,’” said Judda.

“To have her support, to have people like her support you… She said, ‘Everybody from home supports you, the president, the staff, Team USA from home.’ Yeah, it’s insane," he added.

Jill Biden's support for US athletes

Ahead of the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, Jill Biden spoke to the families of US athletes in a speech at the residence of the US ambassador to France.

“As they leap and sprint and turn, America’s athletes aren’t only propelled by the years of sweat and sacrifice they’ve poured into their training,” said the first lady.

“Your love is also there, pushing them further, helping them go faster, lifting them higher as they reach for gold," she added.