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Anna Meares
Anna Meares
Anna Meares
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Anna Maree Devenish Meares[1] OAM (born 21 September 1983) is an Australian retired track cyclist. As of early 2023, Meares and her family moved to New Zealand.[5]

Key Information

She has been the 500 metre track time trial world champion on four occasions, and a gold medallist at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. At the 2015 UCI Track Cycling World Championships Meares took the gold in the keirin—her 11th world title in total, which made her the most decorated female track cyclist of all time.[6]

She was the flag-bearer and captain for the Australian team at the 2016 Summer Olympics, where she won a bronze medal in keirin.[2] This made her the first Australian to win individual medals in four consecutive Olympics.[7]

On 16 October 2016, Meares announced her official retirement from her current competitive cycling career.[8] In November 2022, she was appointed as the Chef de Mission of the Australian team for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.[9]

Biography

[edit]

Anna Meares started competitive cycling at the age of 11 in 1994, following her older sister Kerrie Meares into the sport.[4] The family were inspired to take up competitive cycling by Kathy Watt winning a cycling gold medal at the 1994 Commonwealth Games. With the family living in the small Queensland coal-mining town of Middlemount, it was more than two hours drive to the nearest cycling track at Mackay for the girls to train.[citation needed]

Over the course of her career, Meares has talked about how gradually she became aware of her position as a role model, portraying "a different stereotypical image of what it is to be a strong woman. It's not always about being skinny. It's about your presentation and your confidence and everyone is unique."[10]

2002

[edit]

In 2002 Meares narrowly missed a bronze medal in the inaugural inclusion of the 500-metre time trial at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester, while her older sister, Kerrie Meares won the gold medal in the event. She won a bronze medal in the sprint.[4]

2004

[edit]

During the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, she won a gold medal, and set a new world record in the Women's 500-metre time trial of 33.952 seconds. Meares had to beat a new Olympic record set just minutes previously by the reigning World Record holder, Yonghua Jiang of China. (See Cycling at the 2004 Summer Olympics). The event was abolished from the Olympic program so Meares could not defend her title in 2008. Meares also won a bronze medal in the Women's 200m Sprint event in Athens.

In May 2004 at the Time Trial World Titles in Melbourne Meares claimed the title of Women's World time trial champion, and won a silver for the sprint event. Also claimed first in the 2004 World Cup Time Trial in Sydney.

2005

[edit]

In 2005, Meares enrolled in a Bachelor of Learning Design course at Central Queensland University, but deferred her studies to concentrate on sport.[11][12]

2008

[edit]

Meares made an astonishing come back from a very bad cycling accident at the World Cup in January 2008 when she broke her neck. Meares crashed in the third round of the World Cup circuit in Los Angeles in January 2008, seven months out from the Olympics. Meares fractured her C2 vertebra, dislocated her right shoulder, suffered torn ligaments and tendons, a heavily bruised right hip and skin abrasions as a result of skin sliding on wood when she crashed at 65 km/h. Astonishingly she was back on the bike just 10 days after the fall and went through intensive rehabilitation. With the points Meares had secured prior to the crash, she was able to fight her way back and qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.[13][14]

Meares at the 2008 Olympic homecoming parade in Adelaide

Meares had an eventful semi-final in the sprint at the 2008 Summer Olympics. Having lost the first heat to her opponent Guo Shuang, she won the second heat. The third heat saw Guo come down the banking too steeply and her front wheel slipped from beneath her. The heat was re-run and although Guo won by a few millimetres, she was relegated for coming down the track and pushing Meares onto the côte d'azure on the final lap. This put Meares through to the final ride-off for gold against Victoria Pendleton, where she was beaten and received the silver medal.

2012

[edit]

At the 2012 World Championships which took place in Meares' home country of Australia in Melbourne, Meares was favourite for three gold medals. In the team sprint Meares won silver as Germany set two world records in the event.[15] In qualification for the individual sprint Meares broke the world record for the flying start 200 metres. Meares completed her four laps in just 10.782 seconds shaving 11 thousands of a second off Simona Krupeckaitė's mark.[16] In the semi-final Meares faced her old rival Pendleton. Pendleton clashed with the Australian in their first heat and ended up on the floor before Meares was relegated from the second for going outside of her lane. In the decider Pendleton won in a photo finish, with Meares settling for bronze after defeating Lyubov Shulika.[17] In the keirin, Meares won both her qualifying races before reaching the final, where she held off Russian Ekaterina Gnidenko and German Kristina Vogel to win the first of two world championships in Melbourne.[18] Meares set her second world record of the championships in her final event. Meares recorded 33.010 seconds to break the record by .286 of a second which was previously held by Simona Krupeckaitė. With the time Meares won her second title of the championships and equaled Felicia Ballanger's record of ten world titles.[19]

In preparation for the Olympics, Meares and her coach, West, tailored a 'Project Know Thy Enemy' program.[10][20] The 'Project' involved Meares racing against male sprinter: Alex Bird; who would mimic Pendleton: former "friend" turned "enemy". The objective was to run multiple racing scenarios and find the best tactic to beat "Queen Vic".[10][21]

At the 2012 London Olympics, Meares qualified for the final of the sprint, where she again faced Victoria Pendleton. In the first sprint of the final, Pendleton crossed the line first, but was controversially relegated after illegally moving off her line as the cyclists sped through the final banking, which many believe was as a result of Meares aggressive riding. Meares won the second sprint to win 2–0 and take the gold medal. When asked about her tactics, perceived as being unsporting, she responded: "this is sport [...] We're not out there to have a cup of tea".[10] She also won a bronze medal with Kaarle McCulloch in the team sprint.[1]

2013

[edit]

Meares took rest after the 2012 Olympics and skipped the 2013 World Championship. She returned to competitions in July 2013.[4] Later that year she set a new world record of 32.836 seconds in the women's 500 m time trial at the UCI Mexico Track World Cup, making her the first woman to go under 33 seconds in the event.[22]

2015–16

[edit]

In late February 2015, Meares competed at the world championships and won three medals. She also separated from her husband of nine years, Mark Chadwick, early in 2015.[4]

At the 2016 Rio Olympics Meares took part in three events. She won a bronze medal in the keirin, placing tenth in the individual sprint and fourth in the team sprint.[2]

Commentating

[edit]

Anna Meares, Phil Liggett, and Robbie McEwen co-hosted the Seven Network broadcast of the 2023, 2024 & 2025 Santos Men's Tour Down Under used by Peacock in the US.[23][24]

Honours

[edit]

In 2001 Meares was awarded the Australian Junior Women's Track Cyclist of the Year. She was voted Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Athlete of the Year in 2007 and 2011[25] and 2011 inducted into the AIS 'Best of the Best'.[26] Between 2004 and 2012 she has been named Australian Elite Female Track Cyclist of the Year seven times, she also became Australian Cyclist of the Year in 2008 and 2012. She served as the Australian flag bearer at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games opening ceremony.[4]

The Anna Meares Bike Path adjacent to Sir Donald Bradman Drive near Adelaide Airport was named after Meares in 2012.[27] On 9 December 2016, Meares received the Key to the City of Rockhampton.[28]

Meares has a velodrome in Brisbane named after her. It is called the Anna Meares Velodrome and it was opened on 12 November 2016. It was an official venue for the track cycling at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.[29]

In 2021, inducted into Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Meares is a worldwide ambassador for the Port Adelaide Football Club.[30]

Major results

[edit]
2001
1st 500 m TT, World Track Championships – Juniors
2002
3rd Sprint, Commonwealth Games, Manchester
2003
2nd Keirin, World Track Championships, Stuttgart
2004
1st 500 m TT, World Track Championships, Melbourne
2nd Sprint, World Track Championships, Melbourne
1st Sprint, Sydney
1st 500 m TT, Olympic Games
3rd Sprint, Olympic Games
2005
1st 500 m TT, Australian National Track Championships, Adelaide
1st Sprint, Australian National Track Championships, Adelaide
1st Keirin, Australian National Track Championships, Adelaide
1st Sprint, Sydney
1st Keirin, Sydney
2nd 500 m TT, World Track Championships, Los Angeles
3rd Sprint, World Track Championships, Los Angeles
1st Sprint, Oceania Games, Wanganui
1st 500 m TT, Oceania Games, Wanganui
2006
1st Sprint, Australian National Track Championships, Adelaide
2nd Keirin, Australian National Track Championships, Adelaide
1st Sprint, Sydney
1st 500 m TT, Commonwealth Games, Melbourne
2nd Sprint, Commonwealth Games, Melbourne
2nd 500 m TT, World Track Championships, Bordeaux
1st 500 m TT, World Cup, Sydney
1st Team Sprint, World Cup, Sydney
2007
1st 50 m TT, World Track Championships, Palma de Mallorca – New World Record
3rd Team Sprint, World Track Championships, Palma de Mallorca
3rd Sprint, World Track Championships, Palma de Mallorca
3rd Keirin, World Track Championships, Palma de Mallorca
1st Sprint, World Cup, Los Angeles
2nd Team Sprint, World Cup, Los Angeles
1st 500 m TT, Australian National Track Championships, Sydney
1st Team Sprint, Australian National Track Championships, Sydney
2nd Sprint, Australian National Track Championships, Sydney
1st Keirin, Australian National Track Championships, Sydney
3rd Sprint, World Cup, Manchester
3rd Team Sprint, World Cup, Manchester
1st Sprint, Oceania Cycling Championships, Invercargill
2nd Sprint, Sydney
1st 500 m TT, Sydney
2008
1st Sprint, SWE Grand Prix
2nd Sprint, Olympic Games
2nd Sprint, GP von Deutschland im Sprint
2009
1st 500 m TT, 2009–2010 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics, Manchester
1st Team Sprint (with Kaarle McCulloch), 2009–2010 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics, Manchester
3rd Keirin, 2009–2010 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics, Manchester
1st 500 m TT, 2009–2010 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics, Melbourne
1st Keirin, 2009–2010 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics, Melbourne
3rd Team Sprint, 2009–2010 UCI Track Cycling World Cup Classics, Melbourne
2010
1st 500 m TT, 2009–10 UCI Track Cycling World Ranking
1st Team sprint, 2009–10 UCI Track Cycling World Ranking
1st 500 m TT, Commonwealth Games
1st Team Sprint, Commonwealth Games
1st Individual Sprint, Commonwealth Games
2011
1st 500 m TT, 2010–11 UCI Track Cycling World Ranking
1st Keirin, 2010–11 UCI Track Cycling World Ranking
2012
1st Keirin World Track Championships, Melbourne
1st 500 m TT World Track Championships, Melbourne (33.010sec world record)
3rd Sprint World Track Championships, Melbourne (Qualifying 10.782sec world record)
3rd Team Sprint, Olympic Games
1st Sprint, Olympic Games[31]
2013
Melbourne Cup on Wheels
1st Sprint
2nd Keirin
2014
Commonwealth Games
1st 500m Time Trial
2nd Sprint
Adelaide Cycling Grand Prix
1st Keirin
3rd Sprint
Austral
1st Sprint
2nd Keirin
2nd 500m Time Trial UCI World Track Championships
Oceania Track Championships
2nd Keirin
2nd Sprint
3rd Keirin, South Australian Track Classic
2015
1st Keirin, World Track Championships, Yvelines
Oceania Track Championships
1st Team Sprint
3rd Keirin
1st Keirin, South Australian Grand Prix
3rd Keirin, Super Drome Cup
2016
2nd Keirin, ITS Melbourne Grand Prix
3rd Keirin, Olympic Games, Rio de Janeiro

Sponsorship

[edit]

Meares is sponsored by Uvex safety[32] and by Toshiba.[33]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Anna Meares

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Anna Meares OAM (born 21 September 1983) is a retired Australian track cyclist renowned for her dominance in sprint events, having secured six Olympic medals across four consecutive Games from 2004 to 2016, including two golds, one silver, and three bronzes, making her the first Australian to medal at every Olympics she competed in. She also amassed a record 26 UCI World Championship medals, with 11 golds in disciplines such as the 500m time trial, sprint, , and team sprint, establishing her as the most decorated female track cyclist in history at the time of her retirement. Inspired by watching Australian cyclist Kathy Watt at the , Meares began competitive cycling at age 11 and made her international debut at the . Meares' Olympic career began triumphantly at the 2004 Games, where she claimed gold in the 500m time trial—Australia's first in women's —and bronze in the sprint at just 20 years old. Despite a severe in 2008 that threatened to end her career, she staged a remarkable comeback to win silver in the sprint at the Olympics seven months later. Her rivalry with British cyclist defined much of the era, culminating in a tactical victory for Meares in the 2012 Olympic sprint final. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, she added a bronze in the , served as flag-bearer, and retired afterward, having set multiple world, Olympic, and Commonwealth records throughout her 14-year professional tenure. Post-retirement, Meares has transitioned into roles within sport, including her appointment as Chef de Mission for the nation's Paris 2024 Olympic team, where she oversees logistics, athlete support, and team culture as part of an all-women group. In November 2024, she was reappointed as Chef de Mission for the 2028 Olympic team. She was inducted into the Sport Hall of Fame in 2021 and continues to mentor emerging athletes, emphasizing resilience, diverse measures of success, and opportunities for women in sports administration.

Early life

Family background

Anna Meares was born on 21 September 1983 in , , to parents Anthony and Marilyn Meares. She grew up in the small coal-mining town of Middlemount, where her father worked in the local mines, shaping a resilient environment rooted in Queensland's resource industry. As the youngest of four siblings—including older sisters Kerrie and Tracey, and brother Scott—Meares experienced a close-knit household that emphasized from an early age. Her parents, both former athletes, fostered a strong sporting culture within the family; Marilyn was a competitive 100-metres track runner, while played . This background provided early encouragement for outdoor pursuits, with the family relocating from Middlemount to in the mid-1990s to access better training facilities, including a local , after initially driving over 300 kilometers each weekend to Mackay for practice sessions. The siblings' involvement in further highlighted the family's commitment to sports, setting the stage for Meares' entry into competitive through her sister Kerrie.

Introduction to cycling and early training

Anna Meares was introduced to at the age of 11 in 1994, when she and her older sister Kerrie watched Australian cyclist Kathy Watt compete at the in . Inspired by Watt's gold medal win in the women's road race and the exhilarating speed of , as well as her sister's enthusiasm for the sport, Meares began riding competitively that same year. Growing up in the small mining town of Middlemount, , she initially explored various sports like , , , and , but quickly became her passion. Meares' first competitive experiences came through junior events, where she joined a local club and traveled to races. With the nearest located more than 300 kilometers away in Mackay, her family demonstrated remarkable commitment by driving her and Kerrie there weekly for training and competitions over the first two years. This rigorous early regimen built her foundational skills in sprint events, emphasizing speed and endurance on the track, while her natural talent began to emerge in regional junior competitions. To access better facilities, the family relocated from Middlemount to around 1996, when Meares was about 13, allowing her daily access to a local and more intensive training sessions. By 1998, at age 15, she had progressed sufficiently to participate in broader talent identification efforts, including those supported by the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS), which recognized her potential in track sprinting. This move and early involvement marked the transition from casual junior racing to structured development, laying the groundwork for her elite career without yet venturing into senior international arenas.

Cycling career

Early competitions (2001–2003)

Meares began her international career in the junior ranks at the in , where she captured the gold medal in the women's 500 m , following in the footsteps of her Kerrie by becoming a junior world champion at age 17. Transitioning to senior competition the following year, Meares made her debut at the in , . There, she placed fourth in the inaugural women's 500 m with a time of 35.752 seconds, behind her sister Kerrie's gold-medal performance, and secured a in the sprint event after advancing through the qualifying rounds and semifinals. These results marked her first senior international podium and highlighted her emerging talent in speed events. In 2003, Meares earned selection to the Australian senior national team, a pivotal step in her professional development. She demonstrated dominance at the Australian National Track Championships in , edging out Kerrie by just 0.012 seconds to win the 500 m and leading to victory in the women's . Later that year, at the in , , she claimed silver in the keirin, finishing behind Russia's Svetlana Grankovskaya and establishing herself as a rising force in senior international .

Olympic debut and breakthrough (2004–2005)

At the in , Anna Meares made her Olympic debut as a 20-year-old Australian track cyclist, competing in the women's 500m and sprint events. In the 500m on , she delivered a stunning performance, clocking 33.952 seconds to set a new world record and secure the , edging out China's Jiang Yonghua by 0.310 seconds. This victory marked the first individual Olympic won by an Australian woman in history. In the women's sprint event, Meares advanced through the early rounds but faced stiff competition in the semifinals, where she lost to Canada's Lori-Ann Muenzer. She rebounded in the race, defeating Russia's Grankovskaya 2-0 to claim the , her second medal of the Games. These achievements catapulted Meares into the spotlight, establishing her as a rising star in international and inspiring a new generation of Australian athletes. Following her Olympic success, Meares competed at the 2004 in , where she won gold in the 500m with a time of 33.010 seconds, further solidifying her dominance in the discipline. She also earned silver in the sprint, finishing behind Russia's Svetlana Grankovskaya in the final. These results came shortly after the Olympics, showcasing her ability to maintain peak form under the pressure of home crowds. At the 2005 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Los Angeles, Meares continued her breakthrough by securing silver in the 500m , finishing 0.014 seconds behind Belarus's Natallia Tsylinskaya with a time of 34.752 seconds. In the sprint, she claimed bronze after a strong semifinal performance, contributing to her growing reputation as a versatile speed event specialist. Despite the challenges of transitioning from Olympic highs to a demanding international calendar, these medals highlighted her resilience and technical prowess. Meares' accomplishments in 2004 and 2005 transformed her into a national hero in , with widespread media coverage portraying her as a of and success in women's sport. Her Olympic gold prompted the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) to provide full-time support, including dedicated coaching and facilities, enabling her to focus exclusively on elite training and competition. This backing, combined with public admiration, fueled her ascent as one of 's premier track cyclists.

World Championship dominance and challenges (2006–2011)

Following her breakthrough at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Anna Meares established herself as a dominant force in during the mid-2000s, securing multiple titles in sprint events. She won the women's sprint gold at the 2006 Championships in , , defeating strong competition including of . The following year, at the 2007 Championships in , , Meares defended her sprint title successfully, showcasing her explosive power and tactical acumen in the final against Pendleton. These back-to-back sprint victories highlighted her technical proficiency and speed, positioning her as the leading figure in women's track sprinting. Meares' dominance extended to the team sprint discipline, where she partnered with Kaarle McCulloch to claim gold at the 2009 World Championships in , , marking Australia's second of the event. This victory was part of a remarkable , as the duo repeated their success at the 2010 Championships in , , and the 2011 Championships in , , demonstrating seamless coordination and consistent sub-33-second performances over the 750-meter distance. Additionally, Meares captured the 500m gold at the 2007 Worlds, clocking a time that underscored her standing-start acceleration prowess. She reclaimed the sprint crown at the 2009 Championships, edging out Guo Shuang of in a best-of-three final, further solidifying her status with three sprint world titles by that point. Meares' path to these achievements was marred by significant challenges, beginning with a severe training crash at the UCI Track World Cup in in January 2008, where she fractured her C2 vertebra—just 2 millimeters from a complete break—along with dislocating her shoulder and sustaining extensive ligament damage. This life-threatening incident forced her to confront physical rehabilitation and emotional turmoil, including periods of doubt and mental strain as she feared the end of her career. Remarkably, she returned to competition within months, qualifying for the 2008 Olympics despite ongoing recovery. There, suffered a crash in the women's team sprint qualifying, eliminating them early, but Meares rebounded to win silver in the individual sprint, losing 2-0 to Pendleton in the final after a tense semifinal clash with Guo Shuang. This medal, earned amid visible emotional resilience, represented one of the most inspiring comebacks in Olympic history. The post-Beijing period tested Meares further, as lingering effects from contributed to struggles, including battles with confidence and motivation during her 2010-2011 training cycles. Yet, her determination shone through at the 2009 World Championships, where she achieved a redemptive triple crown: gold in the team sprint with McCulloch, the individual sprint, and the 500m , becoming the first cyclist to win three world titles across speed events in a single year. Building on this momentum, Meares capped the era with a world title at the 2011 Championships, outpacing Miriam Welte of in a thrilling finale to secure her 10th career . These triumphs exemplified her resilience, transforming personal adversities into fuel for sustained excellence leading toward the 2012 London Olympics.

Later Olympics and final years (2012–2016)

At the 2012 London Olympics, Anna Meares claimed the gold medal in the women's sprint, defeating her long-time rival in a best-of-three final after Pendleton was disqualified in the first race for deviating from her line. Partnering with Kaarle McCulloch, she also secured bronze in the team sprint, marking Australia's first podium finish in the event. In the , a relatively new Olympic discipline for women, Meares finished fifth after advancing through the early rounds. These results highlighted her resilience, built on recovery from a severe neck years earlier that had threatened her career. Following , Meares increasingly focused on the , winning the world title at the 2013 in , her first in the event. She added another gold in 2015 at the championships in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, , bringing her total world titles to a record 11 and establishing her as the most decorated female track cyclist in history. In 2014, at the in , , she earned silver in the 500 m , finishing behind Germany's Miriam Welte, and silver in the , finishing behind . Meares entered her fourth Olympics in Rio de Janeiro in 2016 as Australia's flag-bearer, winning bronze in the to become the first Australian to secure individual medals at four consecutive Games. She placed tenth in the sprint after a challenging campaign marked by the physical demands of the sport. On 16 October 2016, Meares announced her retirement, citing the cumulative toll of injuries and her desire to prioritize family life after 15 years of elite competition. Her final competitive outing was a victory in the national sprint title at Adelaide's newly named Anna Meares earlier that year, serving as a fitting farewell on home soil.

Post-retirement career

Broadcasting and commentating

Following her retirement from competitive cycling in 2016, Anna Meares transitioned into broadcasting and commentating, leveraging her expertise as Australia's most decorated female track cyclist to provide analysis on major events. She began her media career with networks including SBS for track cycling coverage and the Nine Network for Olympic broadcasts. Meares has since established ongoing roles with these broadcasters, contributing expert insights drawn from her 11 world championships and six Olympic medals. For SBS, she has appeared in cycling-focused programming, including podcasts like the Zwift Cycling Central series, where she discussed her career transition and the mental demands of elite sport. Her work with the Nine Network includes high-profile Olympic coverage, where she offers commentary on athlete performance and the psychological aspects of competition. A key highlight of Meares' commentating career has been her co-hosting of the Santos Tour Down Under broadcasts from 2023 to 2025 on the Seven Network (with feeds used internationally, such as by Peacock in the ). Joining and , she provided detailed analysis on sprint tactics—such as positioning and power output in bunch finishes—and the athlete mindset required for high-stakes road racing, often referencing her own experiences in track sprints. This role allowed her to connect with Australian audiences, emphasizing the event's role in nurturing emerging talent and promoting women's cycling. Meares has also extended her media presence through podcasts and targeted TV appearances, enhancing public understanding of cycling's technical and emotional elements. During the 2024 Paris Olympics coverage on the , she passionately defended Australian athletes amid scrutiny, notably supporting breakdancer Rachael Gunn against online trolling and framing it as part of the broader resilience needed by female competitors in male-dominated sports. In podcasts like "En Route to Paris," she shared strategies for Olympic preparation, focusing on mindset and team dynamics to inspire listeners. These contributions have solidified her as a respected voice in media, bridging her athletic legacy with educational commentary.

Leadership roles in Olympics

In November 2022, Anna Meares was appointed Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Team at the Paris 2024 Games by the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC), marking her transition from athlete to administrative leader tasked with supporting over 450 athletes by minimizing external stresses and fostering an optimal performance environment. Under her guidance, the team achieved a historic milestone with 53 medals—18 gold, 19 silver, and 16 bronze—surpassing previous records and securing fourth place on the , a success Meares attributed to the athletes' resilience and collective spirit. She notably defended breakdancer Rachael Gunn, known as B-Girl , against widespread online trolling following Gunn's performances, praising her courage and emphasizing the Olympic spirit amid , which highlighted Meares' commitment to athlete protection. Building on this triumph, Meares was reappointed as Chef de Mission for the 2028 Olympics on 26 November 2024, with the AOC citing her proven leadership in delivering Australia's best-ever Olympic gold haul as the key rationale. In this extended role, she plans to prioritize athlete welfare and high performance, drawing from experiences to enhance team preparation over the four-year cycle leading to the Games starting 14 July 2028. Meares' initiatives as Chef de Mission emphasized holistic support, including building a strong leadership team to cultivate a positive team culture and environment in Paris, as well as post-Games reflections that celebrated the unity and impact of the Australian contingent on future generations. Her approach also involved direct engagement, such as visiting preparation camps like the Olympic simulation for skateboarders, to ensure athletes felt supported throughout their journeys. These efforts underscored her focus on mental and emotional well-being, informed by her own experiences with anxiety during her competitive career.

Personal life

Marriage and family

Anna Meares married her childhood sweetheart and fellow cyclist Mark Chadwick on 22 May 2006 in a ceremony held along the Fitzroy River in , . The couple, both from the same hometown, shared a life deeply intertwined with , where Chadwick provided essential support for Meares' rigorous training regimen and international competitions at the and beyond. The marriage lasted nine years, ending in an amicable separation in January 2015 after a 15-year relationship. Meares described the split as unexpected and emotionally devastating, attributing much of the strain to the intense pressures of her elite career, including frequent global travel and time away from home that tested their partnership. The couple chose not to have children, with Meares later reflecting that the relentless demands of her sport—such as extended absences for training camps and events—made starting a family incompatible with her professional commitments at the time. Throughout her life, Meares has maintained a close bond with her immediate family, including her parents Anthony and Marilyn, and her sister Kerrie Meares, a former track cyclist who competed alongside her in early international events. This familial support remained steadfast, with her parents and sister present at key milestones, such as her official retirement announcement in October 2016 following the Rio Olympics. Meares married her second husband, Nick Flyger, a former Australian national sprint cycling coach, with whom she has two children: daughter Evelyn (born February 2020) and son Bill (born October 2021).

Relocation and interests

In early , Anna Meares relocated with her husband, Nick Flyger, and their two young children from to in New Zealand's region, where Flyger took up a role as national sprint coach for . The family built a home overlooking rural dairy farms, providing a serene environment contrasting the high-pressure world of elite sports. The family returned to in 2024 to support Meares' commitments as Chef de Mission for the Paris Olympics. Post-retirement, Meares developed a passion for artistic pursuits as a means of personal expression and fulfillment. She rediscovered , a childhood interest, becoming self-taught in more advanced techniques after 2022, often creating works inspired by her life experiences. Complementing this, she began classes in 2023, progressing to a home studio setup where she experiments with glazing and wheel-throwing to explore creativity unbound by competitive structures. These hobbies have served as therapeutic outlets, helping her navigate the unstructured freedom following her 2016 retirement. Meares has become an advocate for work-life balance, drawing from her recovery from a severe 2008 neck injury that tested her physical and emotional limits. In public discussions, she emphasizes the importance of practices, such as pursuing non-competitive interests to prevent burnout and foster resilience, lessons gleaned from her own journey of rebuilding after and . Her experiences underscore the value of prioritizing and personal well-being alongside professional achievements.

Honours and awards

National and international recognitions

Anna Meares received the Medal of the (OAM) in the 2005 Honours for her service to sport as a gold medallist at the 2004 . She was named (AIS) in both 2007 and 2011, recognizing her outstanding performances in during those periods. In 2018, Meares was inducted into both the Queensland Sport and Recreation Hall of Fame and the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame. In 2021, Meares was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as an Athlete Member, honored as Australia's most decorated female track cyclist with 11 world championships and six Olympic medals. In the same year, she was elevated to Legend status in the South Australian Sport Hall of Fame, becoming the youngest ever to receive this honour. In 2025, she was named joint winner of The Advertiser Sunday Mail SkyCity Women in Sport Award, alongside . Following her retirement, Meares was presented with the Key to the City of on December 9, 2016, in acknowledgment of her achievements as a hometown champion. Internationally, Meares' dominance in , where she secured 11 gold medals across events like the sprint and 500m time trial, earned her widespread recognition as one of the sport's premier athletes, though she has not been formally inducted into the UCI Hall of Fame.

Legacy in Australian sport

Anna Meares' enduring influence on Australian sport is evident in the infrastructure named in her honor, which has significantly boosted participation and development. The Anna Meares , opened in in November 2016, stands as a world-class indoor facility at the Sleeman Sports Complex, featuring a 250-meter track designed for elite training and competition; it hosted events at the and continues to serve as Queensland's center of excellence for the sport. Similarly, the Anna Meares Bike Path in , a shared-use trail opened in 2012 along Sir Donald Bradman Drive near the airport, promotes grassroots by offering a safe, accessible bitumen path for riders and walkers of all abilities, encouraging community engagement with the sport. These tributes underscore her role in making more approachable and integral to Australian recreational and competitive landscapes. Meares has been a profound inspiration for female athletes, particularly as the first Australian to secure individual medals across four consecutive Olympic Games—from Athens 2004 to Rio 2016—demonstrating resilience and excellence in a traditionally male-dominated field. Her achievements have motivated generations of women to enter track cycling, breaking barriers and highlighting the potential for female success at the highest levels. Through mentorship in Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) programs, such as the Gold Medal Ready initiative, Meares has directly guided young Olympians, sharing insights on mental preparation and performance to nurture emerging talents. Her contributions extend to advancing gender equity in Australian sport, exemplified by her appointments as Chef de Mission for the Australian Olympic Teams at the Paris 2024 and Los Angeles 2028 Games, a role in which she championed inclusive policies and increased opportunities for women's participation. By leading a diverse and advocating for athletes' voices in decision-making, Meares has helped foster environments that support gender balance, ensuring more women access elite training, coaching, and leadership pathways in and beyond.

Competitive achievements

Olympic medals

Anna Meares competed in four consecutive , earning a total of six medals in , making her the most decorated Australian track cyclist in Olympic history. These achievements span the 500 m , sprint, team sprint, and events, with medals won across three disciplines. Her Olympic success began at the 2004 Games and culminated in Rio 2016, where she became the first Australian to win individual medals at four successive Olympics. At the 2004 Olympics, Meares secured Australia's first in women's by winning the 500 m , setting a world record time of 33.952 seconds. She also claimed in the sprint event, finishing behind ist Lori-Ann Muenzer of and silver medalist Tamie Noyes of . These results marked her debut as a 20-year-old and established her as a rising star in the sport. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Meares won silver in the sprint, losing the final 2-0 to Great Britain's after a competitive tournament that included a semifinal clash where her opponent was disqualified for an infringement. This medal came shortly after a severe crash earlier in the year that had threatened her participation, highlighting her resilience. Women's team sprint was not yet an Olympic event at that time. Meares achieved further success at the 2012 London Olympics, where women's team sprint made its debut. She partnered with Annette Edmondson to win in the team sprint, recording a time of 33.035 seconds in the final against . In the individual sprint, Meares captured gold, defeating Pendleton 2-0 in the final to claim her second Olympic title overall. She also competed in the inaugural women's , finishing fifth in the final. Her final Olympic appearance came at the 2016 Rio Games, where she served as Australia's flag bearer. Meares earned bronze in the , edging out Germany's Miriam Welte in a for third place. She placed fourth in the team sprint alongside Natasha Hansen and finished tenth in the sprint after a strong qualifying but elimination in the early rounds. These results brought her career total to two golds, one silver, and three bronzes across nine events.
OlympicsEventMedal
Athens 2004500 m Gold
Athens 2004SprintBronze
Beijing 2008SprintSilver
London 2012Team sprintBronze
London 2012SprintGold
Rio 2016Bronze

World Championship titles

Anna Meares dominated the UCI Track World Championships in sprint disciplines throughout her career, amassing 26 total medals (11 golds, 8 silvers, and 6 bronzes), including a record 11 golds for a female cyclist, establishing her as the most successful sprinter in the event's . Her gold medals spanned multiple events, showcasing her versatility and power in track sprinting.
EventYearsNumber of Golds
500 m 2004, 2007, 2010, 20124
Sprint2009, 20112
2011, 2013, 20153
Team sprint2010, 20112
In addition to her golds, Meares collected several silvers and bronzes across various years and disciplines, including a silver in the sprint at the 2014 Championships in , . Meares' early focus on the 500 m shifted later in her career toward and sustained sprint events, adapting to UCI equipment regulations that phased out the standing start from Olympic programs while maintaining her competitive edge in motorized-paced and match sprint formats.

Other notable results

Meares enjoyed remarkable success at the across four editions, amassing eight medals including five golds, establishing her as Australia's most decorated cyclist in the event. Her debut in 2002 at yielded a bronze in the women's sprint after strong performances in qualifying (11.957 seconds) and advancing through the knockout rounds. In 2006 in , she claimed gold in the women's 500m , recording a Games record of 34.326 seconds, and silver in the sprint after reaching the final but falling 1-2 to compatriot Kerrie Meares. The 2010 Games marked her pinnacle, with golds in the 500m (Games record 33.758 seconds), individual sprint (defeating all opponents 2-0 in key rounds), and team sprint (33.811 seconds alongside Kerrie Meares). She concluded her campaign in 2014 at with gold in the 500m (33.43 seconds) and silver in the sprint, where she lost the final 0-2 to teammate Stephanie Morton. At the domestic level, Meares dominated the Australian National Track Cycling Championships, securing 35 titles from 2001 to 2016 across sprint, , 500m , and team sprint disciplines. Her prowess in the 500m was particularly notable, where she established multiple national records, including sub-34-second efforts that underscored her explosive power and technical precision. For instance, in 2014, she overcame a corked to win her 30th national title in the sprint. By 2016, she added her 36th crown in the , capping a career of consistent excellence on home soil. Meares also thrived in the UCI Track Cycling World Cup series, earning numerous gold medals in sprint and keirin events between 2002 and 2015, which honed her competitive edge ahead of major championships. Notable wins included the sprint gold at the 2007 round, where she overcame a poor qualifying to dominate the finals. These performances, often paired with team efforts, highlighted her versatility and sustained dominance in international short-track events.

Sponsorships

Key partnerships

Throughout her career, Anna Meares benefited from a long-term partnership between Cycling Australia and Bike Technologies (BT), the Australian frame manufacturer that supplied custom track bicycles from approximately 1998 to 2018. These bikes, including models like the BT Stealth and BT Blade, were tailored for elite performance and used by Meares in multiple Olympic Games, contributing to her gold medals in the 500m time trial at Athens 2004 and the sprint at London 2012. The collaboration provided specialized equipment that enhanced aerodynamics and rigidity, aligning with key career peaks such as her world record-setting rides. As a member of the Australian national cycling team, Meares received comprehensive funding and logistical support from the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) and Cycling Australia, which covered international travel, high-performance coaching, and training facilities. This institutional backing was essential for her sustained elite-level preparation, enabling access to the AIS's national program where she honed her skills from her early professional years. Among her commercial partnerships, Meares endorsed Musashi sports nutrition products since her junior career in the early 2000s, promoting their role in athlete recovery and performance branding within the community. Similarly, her alliance with , spanning 2006 to 2016, offered financial support and visibility, reinforcing her status as a for technology and innovation in sports. She also had long-term endorsements with Uvex for safety equipment and Billiton for corporate support.

Endorsements and commercial impact

Following her win at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Anna Meares secured several high-profile endorsement deals that extended beyond her racing equipment. From 2005 to 2012, she was featured in Adidas apparel as part of the brand's 12-year sponsorship agreement with the Australian Olympic Committee, which provided official team uniforms and promotional opportunities for athletes like Meares. In 2016, she became a for ahead of the Rio Olympics. Meares' commercial legacy significantly boosted visibility for women's , inspiring greater sponsorship investment in female athletes across the sport. Her record as the most successful female track cyclist in , with 11 world championships and multiple Olympic medals, elevated the profile of the discipline and encouraged to target women in cycling endorsements. Post-Beijing successes were projected to yield AUD 75,000 annually in endorsements as of 2008. Post-retirement and following her family's relocation to in early 2023, Meares has expanded her commercial footprint through motivational speaking engagements. Her fees for these appearances reflect her enduring influence, drawing on her Olympic experiences to inspire corporate and community audiences in the region.

References

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