What happened to Paris Olympic medalist Matthew Richardson? All about the reason for his permanent ban from the Australian cycling team

The governing body of Australia Cycling (AusCycling) handed Paris Olympic medalist Matthew Richardson a permanent ban. The decision came after the governing body reviewed the athlete's switch of allegiance from Australia to Britain.

The report was publicly released by AusCycling post the review, stating that Richardson withheld the information about his nationality change from AusCycling and his teammates until the Paris Olympics as well as requested the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) for a delay in the official disclosure of the nationality change.

This brought about a lot of criticism from fans and fellow athletes on social media after the disclosure by the governing body. AusCycling released a statement about permanently banning Matthew Richardson with no scope of being eligible to rejoin the team in the future and said:

"The review, which involved a thorough investigation of Richardson's actions, has determined he acted in a way that conflicted with the values of AusCycling, the Australian National Team, and the broader cycling community. Richardson will not be eligible to rejoin the Australian Cycling Team at any point in the future. He is also prohibited from using any resources associated with the Australian Cycling Team or its partners. Richardson will be ineligible for any AusCycling-related awards, effective immediately."

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Matthew Richardson on his decision to join the Great Britain Cycling Team

Matthew Richardson at the UCI Track Champions League - Round 1 - Source: Getty

Matthew Richardson won three medals at the Paris Olympics, which included silver medals in the men's keirin and the individual sprint as well as a bronze medal in the team sprint. Days after the conclusion of the quadrennial games in the French capital, Richardson took to Instagram to share his decision to join the Great British Cycling Team.

"I have made the decision to pack up my entire life and move half way across the world to begin the next chapter in my cycling career. It is with a sense of excitement and renewal I announce I have joined the Great British Cycling Team," he wrote.

"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. It’s not something I decided on quickly or easily. I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Cycling Team and it will always be a part of who I am. 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," he added.

Furthermore, Mathew Richardson expressed that this decision was influenced by passion and desire to push himself to greater heights as well as fulfill the dream of competing in a country that he was born in.