Track cyclist Matt Richardson, who won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, has changed 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 retained dual citizenship during the 16 years he lived there.

He will be part of the Great Britain sprint team coached by seven-time Olympic gold medalist Sir Jason Kenny.

Writing on Instagram, external After his application to join the Union Cycliste Internationale was successful, Richardson said it was a “difficult decision” and one he “did not take lightly”.

The two-time Commonwealth Games champion wrote: “It was a personal decision that I made after carefully considering my career and future.

“This is not something I decided to do quickly or lightly. I have a lot of respect for 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.”

AusCycling executive general manager of performance Jesse Korf said the move was a “surprise” and it was “disappointing that Richardson would be leaving a program that has brought him great personal and national success”.

Korf added: “We also understand that the desire to compete for the country in which one was born can evoke strong emotions.”

Richardson won silver in the individual sprint and keirin and a bronze medal in the team sprint in Paris 2024.