Nat Bromhead
Australian track cyclist and Olympic silver medallist Matthew Richardson has dropped the bombshell announcement that he will be switching nationalities and riding for Great Britain.
Richardson – who won two silvers and a bronze medal with the Australian Cycling Team at the Paris Olympics – was born in the UK and lived their until he was nine years old.
He began cycling in early teens while living in Perth before eventually being recruited to ride and train at the Western Australia Institute of Sport.
Other than his three Paris 2024 medals, he has the team sprint world championship and two Commonwealth Games gold medals to his name.
He will now be eligible to ride for Team GB at UCI races and events, the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the LA Olympics in 2028. And the Brisbane 2032 Olympics, should his career extend that far … (an appearance that would certainly bring the house down, Ed).
‘A Difficult Decision’
“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,” Richardson wrote to his Instagram account.
“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.
“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 county in which I was born.”
AusCycling Say Move Is Disapointing
AusCycling Jesse Korf, said it was “disappointing” that Richardson would be leaving a program that had delivered great personal and national success.
“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,” Korf said.
“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.”
Your Thoughts? Have Your Say Below
That’s many modern athletes I’m afraid.
All about them and their professional future.
Don’t worry about who played a huge part of making you who you are
Teams and countries come second. My future first.