Triple Olympic medallist defects from Australia to Team GB just weeks after Paris 2024 heroics
Matthew Richardson was born in Maidstone, Kent
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Cycling star Matthew Richardson has announced his decision to switch nationality from Australia to Great Britain just days after he won three Olympic medals in Paris.
Richardson was born in Maidstone, Kent before he left England at the age of nine to move with his family to Australia.
After taking up cycling in his teens, Richardson quickly rose through the ranks to win the under-19 national titles in sprint and team sprint in 2017.
His progress continued as he was named in Australia's Olympic team for Paris 2024 and won three of the eight medals they won in the discipline.
Richardson won silver medals in the sprint and the keirin along with a bronze in the team sprint.
Matthew Richardson was born in Maidstone, Kent
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But the 25-year-old has taken to social media to reveal his intentions to switch nationality from Australia to Great Britain.
The application has been approved by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) with Richardson ready for a 'new chapter'.
He wrote on Instagram: "I have made the decision to pack up my entire life and move half way across the world to begin the next chapter in my cycling career.
"It is with a sense of excitement and renewal I announce I have joined the Great British Cycling Team.
"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.
"I deeply respect Australia and the Aus 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 Aus Cycling 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.
"But this decision is about following my passion and pushing myself to new heights.
Matthew Richardson won three medals at the Paris Olympics
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"This isn’t about leaving something behind, but about embracing a new chapter in my journey and chasing a dream, a dream that is to race for the country in which I was born.
"I hope you can understand and support me as I continue to give my best in the sport I love."
AusCycling executive general manager, Jesse Korf, called Richardson's decision to defect 'disappointing'.
“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,” he said.
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Matthew Richardson has now switched nationality to Great Britain
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“Matt has been an integral part of our sprint program over the past five 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.
“Our Performance program has made massive leaps in terms of culture and performance in recent years which is a testament to all athletes, coaches and staff — Matt included.
“The men’s sprint program is currently one of our deepest and exciting talent pools with strong programs across the country with the support of state and territory institute and academies of sport. We have many talented riders that now will see increased opportunity as we set our sights on LA 2028 as a stepping stone towards Brisbane 2032.”