Matt Richardson was a Paris Olympics track cycling star for Australia and now will race for Britain

After winning three medals racing for Australia at Paris Olympics , track cyclist Matt Richardson is switching teams eight days later to ride for Britain.

Richardson’s unexpected change of eligibility to country of his birth was approved by International Cycling Union, Australian cycling federation said Monday.

“ announcement of Matt’s switch is disappointing and came as a surprise,” federation’s performance manager, Jesse Korf, said in a statement.

25-year-old Richardson won his third medal in Olympic velodrome — a silver in men’s keirin — on Aug. 11 just hours before closing ceremony.

He also won a silver in sprint and a bronze in team sprint, and is a five-time world championships medalist for Australia. He moved re at age of nine, Australia cycling body said.

“We also understand that desire to compete for a country one was born in can bring forth strong emotions,” Korf said.

Richardson, who was born in England, said switch to ride for Britain was “not something I decided on quickly or easily.”

“I deeply respect Australia and Australian cycling team, and it will always be a part of who I am,” he said in statement published by his now former federation.

British cycling federation posted a message “Welcome to team, Matt” on social media.