Swimmer's family ready to cheer him at Olympics
Matt Richards' grandparents Pete and Meg say they are excited to watch him compete in the Olympics
- Published
The family of a swimmer from Worcestershire have spoken of their pride in him ahead of his second Olympic Games appearance.
Matt Richards, from Droitwich, is one of the world’s leading freestyle swimmers and won Gold at the Tokyo Games as part of the men’s 4x200m relay team when he was 18 years old.
That victory was Team GB’s first in the event since 1908, external.
His mum Amanda said having his family in Paris to watch him would help spur him on this time.
“He’s over the moon, he’s really excited about us being there,” she said.
“If he knows that we’re in the crowd, I think it just gives him that extra boost.”
Matt Richards won Olympic gold as an 18-year-old in Tokyo
Richards debut at the Olympics was at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and a few days after this year’s games he will marry his fiancée, fellow GB swimmer Emily Large.
“It’s so exciting to know he’s going to his second Olympics,” his mum said.
“You have to pinch yourself every now and then to remind yourself, he’s just Matt to us,” she added.
She said she was so proud of him and how calm he was when he was at poolside.
“I think I’m the one that does all the nerves for him,” she said.
Richards' mum Amanda said she had to pinch herself to think her son was an Olympian
Richards’ grandparents live next door to his mum and both houses have been covered in flags to celebrate his appearance at the Olympics.
“It’s something that brings joy to others and it’s also something that in our wildest dreams we never thought we’d be a part of,” his grandma Meg said of his swimming career.
“Because of that little baby who’s turned into this wonderful man, we get to be a part of it.”
The couple were excited and looking forward to watching their grandson, grandfather Pete said.
Meg added: “Proud doesn’t really describe it.”
