MATT RICHARDS shot to fame when he scooped a gold medal aged just 18 at Tokyo 2020.
Now the Team GB swimmer is hoping to emulate that success when he competes in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Born on December 17, 2002, in Worcester, swimmer Matt Richards is an Olympic gold medallist who now lives in Somerset
He reached the pinnacle of his sport at the age of 18, winning Olympic gold as part of the men’s 4x200m relay team in Tokyo 2020.
After moving to train under coach Ryan Livingstone at Millfield School in 2023, he went on to be crowned world champion in the 200m freestyle in Fukuoka, Japan.
Richards’ fiancée is fellow GB swimmer Emily Large, with the happy couple planning to marry a few days after Paris 2024.
Richards is part of the UK’s swimming team for Paris 2024.
He will compete in 200m freestyle, which he has excelled in over and over again.
Richards was selected in April 2024 to be part of Team GB.
Speaking ahead of the trials, he said: “It’s a very strange position to be in going into that champs.
“There is absolutely no guaranteed that I will make that event for Paris.
“I have got to try and fight for that spot. It’s a hell of a scrap that we will all have.
“But I’m really excited for it. That is what I love. I love racing. I love those tight battles that we have.
“It’s very competitive for sure. We’re all good enough mates that regardless of the outcome, we will still be able to have a good laugh about it afterwards.
“I want to go to Paris and win many medals as I can possibly can.
“I definitely keep an eye on their results, see what times they have done. I wouldn’t say I stalk them or anything.
“But social media only tells you so much.”
Richards is heading to Paris 2024 after winning gold in his signature event at the AquaticsGB Swimming Championships in April 2024.
After Richards booked his spot, he posted on Instagram: “It’s a privilege to be able to say that I’m officially going to my second Olympic Games this summer.
“I cannot thank my family, team and friends enough for supporting me along the journey.”
Richards also said he wants to “enjoy every moment”.
Speaking to eurosport.com, the swimmer said: “I’ve always said pressure is a privilege.
From my perspective, my plan is to go out there and enjoy every moment. I can’t wait to get out there.
Matt Richards
“I’m in a very lucky position to be where I am.
“Anybody that is talking to me about pressure or expectation, I don’t see that as a bad thing by any means. I see that as I’ve done something well.
“I’m really welcoming the challenge; I’m looking forward to it.”
Richards went on: “From my perspective, my plan is to go out there and enjoy every moment.
” I’ve always found I race my best when I’m happy and enjoying things.
“I can’t be happier than this, at the pinnacle of sport. I can’t wait to get out there.
I’m in the shape of my life mentally and physically. I’m looking forward to getting out there and see what I can do
Matt Richards
“The preparation going into it has been fantastic.
“I’m in the shape of my life mentally and physically. I’m looking forward to getting out there and see what I can do.”
Speaking about who he takes inspiration from, Richards said: “I’ve always been hugely inspired by Adam Peaty.
“Growing up for me he was one of the guys that was on the TV, winning everything, breaking world records.
“It has been a pleasure to see that relationship change from me being a young fan to being a teammate.
“There’s a photo of me and him from 2014 or 2015 when I was 11 or 12 years old.
“He was running a swimming clinic. A day where you can come and train with him.”
I just hope that he’s happy and enjoying himself and back to where he wants to be
Matt Richards
Matt went on: “We both have a good giggle about that and how young we look in that photo. And also how times change.
“At the last Olympics, we were sharing an apartment, I was in the room next door.”
“I just hope that he’s happy and enjoying himself and back to where he wants to be.
“His mental health has to come first. Having that break is definitely what he needed.
“And now he’s back to it, I just hope he keeps enjoying it.
“If he is, then that’s the most important thing as far as I’m concerned.”
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