Australian track sprinter Matthew Richardson has announced he will switch nationalities and compete for Great Britain at future international events.
Richardson won silver for Australia in the individual sprint and the keirin, as well as bronze in the team sprint, in a brilliant performance at the Paris Olympics.
The 25-year-old was born in Maidstone, England, before moving to Perth when he was nine.
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He still holds a UK passport and has previously spoken about an emotional pull to the country of his birth, but the decision, which came just eight days after the Olympics finished, shocked AusCycling.
“The announcement of Matt’s switch is disappointing and came as a surprise. We also understand that the desire to compete for a country one was born in can bring forth strong emotions,” AusCycling executive general manager of performance Jesse Korf said.
“Matt has been an integral part of our sprint program for the past two years, enjoying many successes on the track across two Olympic Games, a Commonwealth Games, multiple UCI Track World Championships campaigns and several UCI Track Nations Cup and World Cup seasons.”
Richardson said it was a “difficult” decision and thanked AusCycling for all their support.
“Switching nationality was a difficult decision, and not one I took lightly. It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future. It’s not something I decided on quickly or easily,” he said.
“I deeply respect Australia and the Australian Cycling Team, and it will always be a part of who I am. As this new chapter in my life begins, I would like to sincerely thank the coaches and support staff who have worked with me over many years in Australia.
“Special mention to Midland Cycle Club, WAIS and AusCycling, with personal thanks to the two biggest coaching influences in my career — Clay Worthington and Matt Crampton. I want to say a huge thank you to my teammates for everything we’ve been through together. You’ve been there for the highs and the lows, and I’m so grateful for all the support, laughter, and hard work we’ve shared.
“I hope you can understand and support me as I continue to give my best in the sport I love.”
Australian cycling enjoyed its best Olympics in 20 years, winning three gold, and the widespread reset after Tokyo is paying dividends.
Richardson was set to be a key part of the team in the coming years.
He had emerged as the main rival for Dutch master Harrie Lavreysen, who swept the men’s sprint gold medals in track cycling.
In the keirin event, Richardson finished second behind Lavreysen with Aussie Matt Glaetzer grabbing bronze after a wild crash on the final lap.
After the race, Richardson praised his now former teammate Glaetzer, who finally won an Olympic medal in Paris, after a string of near misses.
“He gives someone like me hope that I can make it that far and keep progressing,” Richardson said of Glaetzer.
“He’s gotten a bit better and a bit better and a bit better at each Olympics. If I can do the same, that can mean good things.
“Hopefully another four years can move me one spot up.”