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.
Nevertheless, 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 total life and transfer midway internationally to start the subsequent chapter in my biking profession. It’s with a way of pleasure and renewal I announce I’ve joined the Nice British Biking Group,” Richardson mentioned in a press release.
“Switching nationality was a tough 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 Biking Group 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 employees who’ve labored with me over a few years in Australia.
“However 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 Govt Common Supervisor for Efficiency, expressed their remorse.
“The announcement of Matt’s change is disappointing and got here as a shock. We additionally perceive that the need to compete for a rustic one was born in can convey forth sturdy 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 monitor throughout two Olympic Video games, a Commonwealth Video games, a number of UCI Observe World Championships campaigns and several other UCI Observe Nations Cup and World Cup seasons.”
