Matt Richards Calls On IOC To “Start Taking Care Of Their Athletes And Not Just Their Shareholders”
Olympic and world champion Matt Richards has called on the IOC and Thomas Bach to “start taking care of their athletes and not just their shareholders.”
Richards was a member of the Great Britain men’s 4×2 relay quartet that won gold at the Tokyo Games and has qualified for the 50, 100 and 200 free plus relays in Paris.
Since making his Olympic debut in 2021, Richards has won two golds – in the 200 free and 4×2 at Fukuoka 2023 – among five world medals and is a prominent name on the international stage at the age of 21.
Matt Richards: Photo Courtesy: Andrea Masini / Deepbluemedia / Insidefoto
Earlier this year the Welshman called for Olympic medallists to be paid and on Friday, while pointedly reiterating that point, Richards also criticised the money athletes’ families are forced to spend in order to attend a Games, asking that they be given tickets.
Richards posted a story to Instagram, tagging the International Olympic Committee, saying:
“I do find it crazy that when competing at an Olympic Games, the families of the athletes have to source and fund tickets themselves…
“My family and I are looking at a bill of thousands of pounds spent on tickets, just to see me swim in a couple of sessions this summer.
“@olympics given that you won’t pay the athletes who compete in the event (that creates billions every year in revenue) due to it ‘not being (in) the Olympic spirit’…..
“Do you not think it’s time that you support the families of the people competing, by giving them tickets to the events that their family members are competing in?
“Sorry for the rant everyone but I feel this is a really important subject.
“Seeing your family or friends compete at an Olympic Games shouldn’t be reserved for the people that have thousands to spare, who can afford to come and watch.
“I think it’s time that Thomas Bach and the IOC start taking care of their athletes and not just their shareholders.
“@ Olympics
“Anyways, have a great day everyone”
