Olympian 'surprised' by GB switch reaction

Track cyclist Matt Richardson has said he was "surprised" by the reaction after he switched his nationality from Australia to Great Britain.

The 25-year-old, who won three medals for Australia at the Paris Olympics, was born in Maidstone, Kent, before moving to Western Australia at the age of nine.

As a result of his change of allegiance, Richardson has been banned for life from rejoining the Australian team.

"Track cycling doesn't really reach that many people, especially in Australia. And then there I was on the front page of newspapers," he said.

"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."

But the Olympian, who won two silver medals and one bronze in Paris, said: "It is what it is,"

He said: "Everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

"And we all move on and go bike racing at the end of the day."

Richardson maintained dual citizenship during his 16 years living in Australia.

He is now part of Team GB's sprint squad, which is coached by seven-time Olympic gold medallist Sir Jason Kenny.

Richardson said it was early impressions of Chris Hoy winning gold in the keirin at the Beijing Olympics in 2008 that got him hooked on cycling.

"It stuck with me," he said. "I have no other memories of any other Olympic sport ever growing up."

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