Olympic silver medal winner Matthew Richardson has revealed he is switching allegiance from Australia to Great Britain after returning home from Paris. The cyclist won silver in the sprint and keirin events in France earlier this month.
Richardson also won bronze in the team sprint during a successful Olympics for the Australian cycling team. However, he has made the decision to move to the United Kingdom and join Team GB.
Aus Cycling have announced their “disappointment and surprise” at Richardson’s move. The athlete says he is doing so with “excitement” and a feeling of “renewal”.
“The end of an era,” Richardson, who was born in Maidstone, England, before moving to Australia aged nine, wrote on Instagram.
“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. 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. I want to say a huge thank you to my teammates for everything we’ve been through together. You’ve been there for the highs and the lows, and I’m so grateful for all the support, laughter, and hard work we’ve shared.
“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 in which I was born.
“I hope you can understand and support me as I continue to give my best in the sport I love.”
Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) have reportedly approved Richardson’s move. He is a multi-gold-medal winner at the Commonwealth Games.
