Olympic medalist Matthew Richardson has opted to vary his racing nationality from Australian to British. The 25-year-old introduced dwelling three medals from the Paris Olympics – bronze within the group dash and silver in each the keirin and particular person dash occasions for Australia this month.
However, having been born in Maidstone, Kent and lived in Australia since age 9, Richardson plans to return to the UK and proceed with the British dash squad.
“I’ve made the choice to pack up my whole life and transfer midway the world over to start the following chapter in my biking profession. It is with a way of pleasure and renewal I announce I’ve joined the Great British Cycling Team,” Richardson mentioned in a press release.
“Switching nationality was a troublesome determination, and never one I took frivolously. It was a private alternative, made after cautious consideration of my profession and future. I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Cycling Team and it’ll all the time be part of who I’m. As this new chapter in my life begins, I wish to sincerely thank the coaches and help workers who’ve labored with me over a few years in Australia.
“But this determination is about following my ardour and pushing myself to new heights. This is not about leaving one thing behind, however about embracing a brand new chapter in my journey and chasing a dream, a dream that’s to race for the county which I used to be born in.”
Jesse Korf, AusCycling Executive General Manager for Performance, expressed their remorse.
“The announcement of Matt’s change is disappointing and got here as a shock. We additionally perceive that the will to compete for a rustic one was born in can carry forth robust feelings,” Korf mentioned. “Matt has been an intricate a part of our dash program for the previous two years, having fun with many successes on the observe throughout two Olympic Games, a Commonwealth Games, a number of UCI Track World Championships campaigns and a number of other UCI Track Nations Cup and World Cup seasons.”
