Australian track cyclist Matt Richardson has been handed a lifetime ban from representing Australia after his shock decision to join the British cycling team just weeks after winning three Olympic medals for Australia at the Paris Games.
The 25-year-old cyclist claimed silver in the individual sprint and keirin, as well as bronze in the team sprint, at the Paris Olympics in August while wearing the green and gold. However, Matt Richardson, who was born in England and moved to Western Australia at the age of nine, later announced he would switch allegiances to represent the country of his birth.
Following a review, AusCycling, Australia’s governing body for cycling, stated that Matt Richardson’s actions were inconsistent with the organization’s values, as well as those of the national team and the broader cycling community. As a result, Richardson has been permanently barred from rejoining the Australian cycling team.
“He is also prohibited from using any resources associated with the Australian cycling team or its partners,” AusCycling said in a statement released late Monday.
The review alleged that Matt Richardson colluded with world cycling’s governing body, the UCI, and British Cycling to keep his nationality switch secret until after the Olympics. The report further accused Richardson of withholding his decision from AusCycling, his teammates, and key stakeholders in the lead-up to the Games.
In August, Matt Richardson addressed his decision to switch nationalities, calling it a deeply personal and difficult choice.
“Switching nationality was a difficult decision and not one I took lightly,” he stated. “It was a personal choice, made after careful consideration of my career and future.”
Richardson’s cycling career has been illustrious. He was a double gold medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and has amassed five world championship medals, including gold in the 2022 team sprint. Despite his achievements, the lifetime ban underscores the fallout from his controversial move.
With his allegiance now tied to Britain, Richardson’s decision has drawn mixed reactions from the cycling community. While his talent is undeniable, the circumstances surrounding his nationality switch have left a significant mark on his relationship with Australian sport.