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Castle Hill resident turns yo-yoing into a career

A Castle Hill resident is taking the internet by storm with his impressive yo-yo skills.

Lindsay Tanney

Aug 4, 2025, 6:50 AM

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Richard Pickett, known as 'Ritchie loves yo-yos,' is an internet sensation. The Castle Hill resident does yo-yo tricks for shows, festivals, charities and even performs at children's hospitals.

He said he first picked up a yo-yo in high school.

"I was bullied a lot, got chased by kids in the hallway, jumped in gym class, jumped outside of gym class. I remember getting literally beat up in the middle of class and the teacher didn't do anything. And so I bought a yo-yo from Toys "R" Us," said Pickett.

He said since then, he hasn't put the yo-yo down. It's been 21 years. He has competed in contests and met pros from all over the world.

"It's been beautiful, like to meet a lot of people that almost had the same experiences as you being bullied and feeling alone. And the way we all come together is through yo-yoing," he said.

Pickett showed News 12 his favorite tricks and his collection with more than 60 yo-yos inside. He said his goal is to inspire others to turn pain into purpose. And that anyone can turn a hobby into healing.

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