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It is a mindset that powered the Team Wales star to a thrilling victory in the men’s 200m freestyle at the Aquatics GB Swimming Championships last weekend.
The Olympic silver medallist stormed through the field over the final 50 metres at the London Aquatics Centre to snatch gold in 1:44.77, denying James Guy and Duncan Scott in a high-quality final featuring four Olympic champions.
Afterwards, Richards pointed to his simple, instinctive approach as the key to delivering under pressure.
READ MORE: Matt Richards Admits He Has Plenty to Learn After 100m Disappointment At World Championships
“You definitely feel the pressure and feel the anticipation – there’s a certain buzz around the building on the night of the 200m free,” said Richards, who hails from Worcestershire but races for Wales at the Commonwealth Games thanks to his Welsh parents.
“There’s a little bit of electricity and I love that atmosphere and that environment.
“I try not to take myself, or the race, too seriously and try to get in there and have some fun.
“I’ve always found that I race my best when I race like I did when I was a little kid, and that’s to get out there, give it everything I’ve got, and try to get my hand on the wall first.
“That attitude has led to every success I’ve had so far.”
It was a statement win at the end of the national championships and a timely reminder of Richards’ credentials as one of Great Britain’s leading medal hopes heading into a crucial summer.
Having already claimed individual silver at the Paris 2024 Olympics and played a central role in Team GB’s dominant 4x200m freestyle relay squad alongside Guy, Scott and Tom Dean, 23-year-old Richards is now building towards this year’s Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the next major global test at the World Aquatics Championships in July 2027.
That relay unit — one of the most successful in British swimming history — looks set to be reunited again, with Jack McMillan finishing fourth in London to confirm his place in upcoming European competition squads.
Richards’ victory was all the more impressive given the calibre of opposition and the race situation.
Scott led at the final turn, with Guy also ahead, but Richards produced a perfectly judged finish to surge past both in the closing metres — underlining his reputation for delivering when it matters most.
Elsewhere, Angharad Evans continued her remarkable form by smashing her own British record in the women’s 100m breaststroke, clocking 1:04.96 to become the tenth fastest swimmer in history.
“To swim a 64 has been my mission, and I’ve just got it, so I’m super happy with that,” said Evans.
“The best thing for a swimmer is seeing that time at the end of the race and knowing that all the hard work has been worth it. Seeing that is such a big confidence boost for what is a really exciting summer ahead.”
There were further standout performances across the six-day meet.
Josh Gammon edged a dramatic 50m butterfly final by the narrowest of margins, while Eva Okaro and Oliver Morgan each completed title trebles.
Teenager Amelie Blocksidge dominated the 800m freestyle once again, and Callie-Ann Warrington enjoyed a record-breaking day in the mixed classification events.
A world record also fell in the heats, with Mark Tompsett taking almost two seconds off the S14 200m backstroke mark.
But the headline belonged to Richards — not just for the win, but for the manner of it.
His ability to strip things back to instinct and enjoyment continues to set him apart.
And with the World Championships looming next year, that childlike approach could once again prove to be his greatest strength on the biggest stage.
