Matt Richardson Switches Nationality to Compete for Great Britain

Matt Richardson, the track cyclist who won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, has changed nationality and will now compete for Great Britain. The 25-year-old, born in Kent and raised in Western Australia, held dual citizenship during his 16 years living in Australia. Richardson, a two-time Commonwealth Games champion will join Great Britain’s sprint squad which Sir Jason Kenny, a seven-time Olympic gold medallist, coaches.

After the Union Cycliste Internationale approved his nationality change, Richardson announced the move on Instagram. He described the decision as “difficult” and one he did not take lightly. In his Instagram post, Richardson emphasized that the choice was deeply personal and made after careful consideration of his career and future. He expressed respect for Australia and the AusCycling Team, acknowledging that they will always be part of his identity.

However, he stated that his decision stemmed from his desire to follow his passion and achieve new goals. AusCycling’s executive general manager of performance, Jesse Korf expressed surprise and disappointment over Richardson’s departure from a program that had delivered significant success both personally and nationally. Korf acknowledged the strong emotions associated with competing for one’s country of birth.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, Matt Richardson earned silver medals in the individual sprint and keirin along with a bronze in the team sprint. His move to Great Britain marks a new chapter in his cycling career as he aims to build on his impressive achievements and pursue further success under a new national banner.