Mike O'Connor
Australian sprint star Matthew Glaetzer has announced his retirement, bringing the curtain down on a decorated 15-year career on the track.
The 33-year-old confirmed the news today, stepping away after four Olympic Games and three Commonwealth Games with the ARA Australian Cycling Team.
“I want to sincerely thank each and every one of the people around me throughout my career for the support, guidance and belief you have shown me,” Glaetzer said.
“As many would know, I have been working towards a new career as a firefighter and this year I have been fortunate to commence full-time employment in that role. With this transition, I’m formally announcing that I am retiring from the sport to which I have dedicated the past 15 years of my life.
“I am proud of what I have achieved and deeply grateful for the people who have been part of that journey.”
Glaetzer bows out following the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, where he finally achieved a long-held goal, winning bronze in the team sprint before adding a second bronze in the keirin days later. He described that first Olympic medal as “like a gold to me”.
His Olympic journey began at the London 2012 Olympic Games, followed by near misses at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where he repeatedly finished just outside the podium.
Across his career, the South Australian claimed 18 major international medals, including two Olympic bronzes, five Commonwealth Games gold medals and multiple podiums at the UCI Track World Championships.
Glaetzer’s rise began as a junior world champion in sprint and keirin, before transitioning rapidly to the senior ranks. His career later took on added significance following a thyroid cancer diagnosis in 2019. After surgery, he returned to competition within weeks and quickly found his way back onto the podium.
Gracie Elvin, AusCycling Athlete Liaison and Alumni Club lead, said Glaetzer’s impact extended well beyond results.
“While Matt was an exceptional sprinter and achieved many notable results, he was just as well known for his resilience, determination, and generous spirit,” Elvin said.
Mike O’Connor – A keen cyclist, runner and photographer, Mike O’Connor is the Editor of Bicycling Australia. He manages the BA website and social media, and loves promoting the achievements of Australian cyclists.
