Track cyclist Matt Richardson, who won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, has switched nationality and will now represent Great Britain.
The 25-year-old was born in Kent but moved to Western Australia at the age of nine, and maintained dual citizenship during his 16 years living there.
He will be part of GB’s sprint squad, which is coached by seven-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Jason Kenny.
Writing on Instagram, external after his application with cycling’s governing body the Union Cycliste Internationale was successful, Richardson said it had been a “difficult decision” to make and not one he “took lightly”.
The two-time Commonwealth Games champion wrote: “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 AusCycling Team and it will always be a part of who I am.
“But this decision is about following my passion and pushing myself to new heights.”
Jesse Korf, AusCycling executive general manager of performance, said the move had come as a “surprise” and it was “disappointing that Richardson would be leaving a program that had delivered great personal and national success”.
Korf added: “We also understand that the desire to compete for a country one was born in can bring forth strong emotions.”
Richardson won silver in the individual sprint and keirin at Paris 2024, plus a bronze medal in the team sprint.
Read More: Matt Richardson: Australian Olympian joins Great Britain cycling team
