A cyclist who won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics has announced he will now represent Great Britain after switching nationality. 

Matt Richardson won silver in the individual sprint and keirin events, as well as bronze in the team sprint, to contribute to Australia’s fourth place finish on the Games‘ medal table.

The 25-year-old was born in Maidstone, Kent, before he moved to Western Australia at the age of nine. He is now returning to the UK to live permanently, having retained dual citizenship.

Richardson said he is ready to “begin the next chapter” under the guidance of Sir Jason Kenny, Britain’s most successful Olympian who coaches Team GB’s sprint squad.

“It is with a sense of excitement and renewal I announce I have joined the Great British cycling team,” Richardson said in an Instagram post.

“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.

“I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Cycling Team and it will always be a part of who I am.”

He added: “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 which I was born in.

“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.”

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Richardson was a double gold medal winner at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and has five world championship medals, including gold in the 2022 team sprint.

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