AN Olympian who won three medals at the Paris Games has swapped nationalities to join Team GB.
Track cycling star Matt Richardson represented Australia at the Olympics this summer.
The sprinter won three medals including silver in the Sprint and the Keirin – an event Team GB star Jack Carlin crashed out of.
Richardson also won bronze in the Team Sprint with the Netherlands taking gold after beating Team GB in the final.
But now Team GB will be able to call upon Richardson after his application to change nationality was approved by the UCI, cycling’s governing body.
Richardson, 25, was born in Kent but moved to Australia at the age of nine.
He has represented Australia since junior level but has had a change of heart and will now join the GBCT sprint squad, coached by Sir Jason Kenny.
Richardson revealed his excitement ahead of starting the next chapter of his career, while thanking the Australia team for the last few years.
He said: “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. 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.
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“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.”
Australia are shocked by the switch with AusCycling executive general manager of performance Jesse Korf releasing a statement.
It read: “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.
“Matt has been an integral part of our sprint program in the last 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.
“Our Performance program has made massive leaps in terms of culture and performance in recent years which is a testament to all athletes, coaches and staff — Matt included.
“The men’s sprint program is currently one of our deepest and exciting talent pools with strong programs across the country with the support of state and territory institute and academies of sport. We have many talented riders that now will see increased opportunity as we set our sights on LA 2028 as a stepping stone towards Brisbane 2032.”
