Matt Richardson: Australian Olympian joins British cycling team

Track cyclist Matt Richardson, who won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, has changed nationality and now competes for Great Britain.

The 25-year-old was born in Kent but moved to Western Australia at the age of nine, retaining dual citizenship during the 16 years he lived there.

He is part of the British sprint team, which is coached by seven-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Jason Kenny.

Writing on Instagram, external After his application to cycling’s governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale, was approved, Richardson said it had been a “difficult decision” and one he had not taken “lightly”.

The two-time Commonwealth Games winner wrote: “It was a personal choice made after careful consideration of my career and future.

“It’s not something I chose quickly or easily. I have a lot of respect for Australia and the AusCycling Team and it will always be a part of me.

“But this decision is about following my passion and pushing myself to new heights.”

Jesse Korf, AusCycling’s general manager of performance, said the move came as a “surprise” and it was “disappointing that Richardson would be leaving a program that had delivered great personal and national success”.

Korf added: “We also understand that the desire to fight for the country where you were born can evoke strong emotions.”

Richardson won silver in the individual sprint and keirin at Paris 2024, plus a bronze medal in the team sprint.