‘Not good on the body’: Cycling star Matt Glaetzer to quit after final shot at Olympic medal

A decorated member of the Australian track cycling team has confirmed their fourth Olympics will be their last, and he’ll enter the Games with a laser focus on a maiden Olympics medal.

Matthew Glaetzer has five gold and two bronze Commonwealth Games medals already, but he is vying for an elusive Olympic medal in his fourth and final Games. Picture: Getty Images

Track cycling veteran Matt Glaetzer will retire after the Paris Olympic Games, fearing the brutal toll the sport is taking on his body.

The four-time Olympian will cap his cycling career at the conclusion of the 2024 Games after deciding a four-year preparation for Los Angeles would be too difficult.

“I have had a lot of thought about that and it definitely will be my last shot, this will be my last Olympics and I’m really looking forward to making the most of it with the team,” he said.

Matthew Glaetzer ahead of his fourth and final Olympics campaign. Picture: Getty Images

“To go another four years is a big commitment. I may have another couple years left in me but not another four.

“Our sport, what we do isn’t easy on the body and I don’t want to put my body too far back for later in life.”

Five Commonwealth Games gold medals and two bronze have been career highlights for Glaetzer, however, an Olympic medal has eluded the 31-year-old.

A strong preparation for Paris is building optimism within Glaetzer – and the wider track cycling squad – about a strong result.

Matthew Glaetzer won gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Picture: Getty Images

“I think we’ve got a really good shot to do something special and I want to end on a high note,” he said.

“I am ready for some other challenges as well in life.

“Our sport is amazing what we do is amazing but there comes a time where it needs to change.”