Matt Richardson Shoots for Greatness with GB Cycling Team

Track cyclist Matt Richardson, who earned three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, has changed his nationality and will now ride for Great Britain, BBC reported. At 25, Richardson was born in Kent but relocated to Western Australia at the age of nine, where he lived for 16 years while keeping dual citizenship.

Joining Great Britain's sprint team, which is coached by seven-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Jason Kenny, Richardson expressed on Instagram that his application with cycling's governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale, had been approved. Admitting it was a "difficult decision" that he did not "take lightly," Richardson emphasized it was a personal choice based on careful deliberation about his career and future.

Richardson, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion, stated, "It was a personal decision, pondered carefully with regards to my career and future. This wasn't a choice made in haste. I hold Australia and the AusCycling Team in high regard; they will always be a part of me. However, I feel this new path allows me to chase new challenges and push my boundaries."

Jesse Korf, executive general manager of performance at AusCycling, remarked that Richardson's decision came as a "surprise" and was "disappointing," given the substantial success both personally and nationally from the Australian program. Korf further noted, "We recognize that the desire to represent one's country of birth can evoke strong emotions."

At Paris 2024, Richardson secured silver medals in the individual sprint and keirin, along with a bronze in the team sprint.

Earlier, SSP reported that Phil Jones Announced Retirement and Embarked on a Coaching Career.