Matt Richardson Expresses “Surprise” Over Reaction to Nationality Change

Track cyclist Matt Richardson expressed his “surprise” regarding the public response following his change of nationality from Australia to Great Britain. The 25-year-old athlete, a recipient of three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, was born in Maidstone, Kent, and subsequently relocated to Western Australia when he was nine years old. His decision to change allegiance has resulted in a lifetime ban for Richardson from rejoining the Australian team. He stated, “Track cycling doesn’t really reach that many people, especially in Australia. And then there I was on the front page of newspapers,” Richardson added, “I thought to myself, ‘where is that publicity when we’re doing well? It is a shame that it was for negative publicity, which surprised me.” However, the Olympian, who secured two silver medals and one bronze in Paris, remarked, “It is what it is,” He further commented, “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.” Concluding, he stated, “And we all move on and go bike racing at the end of the day.” For the 16 years he resided in Australia, Richardson held dual citizenship. He is currently a member of Team GB’s sprint squad, under the coaching of seven-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Jason Kenny. Richardson attributed his initial interest in cycling to early observations of Chris Hoy’s gold medal victory in the keirin at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. He explained, “It stuck with me,” adding, “I have no other memories of any other Olympic sport ever growing up.”