'Track cycling icon' Matthew Glaetzer announces retirement and new career as a firefighter

PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 11: Bronze medalist Matthew Glaetzer of Team Australia celebrates on the podium after the Men&apos;s Keirin, Final on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines Velodrome on August 11, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) — Matthew Glaetzer took two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics (Image credit: Getty Images)

Matthew Glaetzer has called time on his 15-year career, with the Australian track cycling veteran switching to a new career as a firefighter.

Glaetzer was one of the world's top track sprinters over a sustained period, representing Australia at four Olympic Games and winning two bronze medals.

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"After more than a decade on the world stage, it’s time to close this chapter. From chasing a dream as a kid to representing Australia across four Olympic Games, this sport has given me more than I could have ever imagined," Glaetzer said.

"There were incredible highs, tough setbacks and moments that tested everything but that’s what made the journey so meaningful. From World Championship titles to Commonwealth Games Gold and finally standing on the Olympic podium not once, but twice in Paris... it’s been a ride I’ll never forget," Glaetzer said.

"I’m proud of everything I’ve achieved, but even more grateful for the people who made it possible along the way. To my coaches, teammates, support staff, sponsors, family and everyone who’s backed me, thank you."

Fighting fires

Glaetzer has already begun his second professional life, starting work as a firefighter with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service.

"As many would know, I have been working towards a new career as a firefighter and this year I have been fortunate to commence full-time employment in that role," Glaetzer said.

"Thank you again for everything. I am excited to embrace this next chapter and continue serving the community through my new career with the South Australian Metropolitan Fire Service."

Glaetzer is not the first former professional cyclist to become a firefighter, with the former US road pro Tyler Farrar tackling blazes in Washington ever since his racing retirement in 2017.

"There are a lot of similarities, culturally. That’s why I like it," Farrar told Cyclingnews in a 2020 interview. "There’s a team atmosphere and you have your own crew and your station. That’s similar to being on a team bus but the job is totally different."

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Patrick is an NCTJ-accredited journalist with a bachelor’s degree in modern languages (French and Spanish) and a decade’s experience in digital sports media, largely within the world of cycling. He re-joined Cyclingnews as Deputy Editor in February 2026, having previously spent eight years on staff between 2015 and 2023. In between, he was Deputy Editor at GCN and spent 18 months working across the sports portfolio at Future before returning to the cycling press pack. Patrick works across Cyclingnews’ wide-ranging output, assisting the Editor in global content strategy, with a particular focus on shaping CN's news operation.