Australia’s triple Olympic medal winner Matt Richardson is to join the Great Britain cycling team programme after changing nationality.
Richardson won silver in the individual sprint and keirin as well as bronze in the team sprint at the recent Games in Paris but insists he is now ready to “begin the next chapter” under the guidance of Sir Jason Kenny.
The 25-year-old was born in Maidstone, Kent, before moving to Western Australia aged nine and is returning to the UK to live permanently having retained dual citizenship.
“I have made the decision to pack up my entire life and move halfway across the world to begin the next chapter in my cycling career,” said Richardson, whose nationality switch has been approved by the UCI. “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. 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.
“But this decision is about following my passion and pushing myself to new heights. 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 which I was born in.”
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Richardson was a double gold medal winner at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and has five world championship medals, including gold in the 2022 team sprint.