First win for Great Britain generates backlash for Australian Olympic defector Matthew Richardson on social media

Olympic medallist Matthew Richardson has notched his first track cycling victory for Great Britain after defecting from Australia and continues to be reminded of his perceived betrayal.

Matthew Richardson switched allegiance from Australia to Great Britain. Picture: Supplied

Australian Olympic team defector Matthew Richardson has triggered backlash on social media from cycling fans after describing his first win in the colours of Great Britain as a dream.

As revealed by News Corp on Monday, AusCycling has banned Richardson from wearing the green and gold again, following an exhaustive review into his shock decision to quit Australia for Team GB just one week after representing the green and gold at the Paris Games last August.

The review from the national body of Australian Cycling brought Richardson’s integrity into question with the revelation he tried to take Australian Cycling team property including a custom bike, cockpit (handle bar, seat, peddles) and Olympic race suit to Great Britain.

Matthew Richardson celebrates in a Great Britain uniform. Picture: Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images

Richardson stunned the cycling world when in the wake of claiming two silver medals and a bronze medal in track cycling at the Paris Olympics, the 25-year-old announced he was joining Great Britain – where he was born and lived until the age of nine before moving to Western Australia.

While Richardson was forced to sit out the October World Championships and remained unable to represent Great Britain until next year, he was wearing the national team colours during round one of the Track Champions League currently being held in Paris.

How about that for a debut? 😅

Matty Richardson delivers an emphatic win on his first ride in red, white and blue in the #UCITCL men’s sprint 💨@UCITCLpic.twitter.com/sSy6hzJ9rK

— Team GB (@TeamGB) November 23, 2024

Richardson beat his great rival Dutchman Harrie Lavreysen, who denied him gold at the Olympics in all three of the events in Paris, but particularly the individual Sprint and Keirin events.

“Dream start to the @ucitcl in Paris!,‘’ Richardson posted on Instagram.

“Tough night out there with what felt like a lot of pressure to perform. Long way to go still so just taking it one race at a time.

“Next stop Netherlands.‘’

The post from Richardson received a mixed response from some of his 58,000 social media followers.

“Banned from Australian cycling for life. You can’t win back respect and integrity,‘’ one follower commented.

Another follower wrote: “Turncoat confirmed and banned.‘’

Example of negative social media reaction to Matthew Richardson's first win for Great Britain. Picture: Supplied

One follower simply posted a picture of a snake.

Other cycling fans offered more complimentary messages.

“Congrats on a great start to the next part of your career,‘’ one fan posted.

Another wrote: “You were amazing!!!.”

A review into the circumstances of Richardson’s defection found he had delayed the official disclosure of his defection until after the Olympics, with the knowledge and backing of British Cycling, and withheld the news from AusCycling, his teammates and key stakeholders.

Matthew Richardson in Paris where he won a silver and bronze medal for Australia. Picture: Hu Huhu/Xinhua via Getty Images

Richardson has stated in an interview with Eurosport that his first discussion with Great Britain team officials was last January – six months before the Paris Games.

Richardson said at the time of his defection this was “purely because this is something I needed to deal with and I didn’t want to put that burden on anyone and distract from anyone’s Olympic prep.‘’

As a result of AusCycling’s findings, 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.

Further, Richardson will be ineligible for any AusCycling-related awards, effective immediately.