Cycling-Richardson switches allegiance from Australia to Britain

(Reuters) - Matthew Richardson has switched his international allegiance to Britain, the track cyclist said on Monday, days after winning three Olympic medals for Australia.

The 25-year-old won silver in the individual sprint and the keirin in Paris as well as bronze in the team sprint.

Richardson was born in Maidstone, England and moved to Australia at the age of nine.

"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," Richardson posted on Instagram.

"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... I deeply respect Australia and the Aus Cycling Team and it will always be a part of who I am."

Jesse Korf, the AusCycling Executive General Manager-Performance, said the decision was disappointing.

"We understand that the desire to compete for a country one was born in can bring forth strong emotions," Korf said in a statement.

"We have many talented riders that now will see increased opportunity as we set our sights on LA 2028 as a stepping stone towards Brisbane 2032."

(Reporting by Pearl Josephine Nazare in Bengaluru, editing by Ed Osmond)