‘I Hate Losing’: 40-Year-Old Retired Australian Cyclist with Six Olympic Medals Reflects on Lessons from a Decorated Career

With countless cycling triumphs under her name, a retired Australian athlete was recently spotted sharing candid expertise from an illustrious career. Gearing up to carve a renewed legacy in the sport, 40-year-old Anna Meares made headlines, planning to lead the Australian Olympic team as their chef de mission. While her latest inclusivity marked epic future prospects, it also posed similar outcomes for the excited racing squad. 

Known as one of the most decorated female track riders in history, Meares’ cycling enthusiasm displayed a tale woven with unwavering determination. With focus on her upcoming days beside the Australian team, the six-time Olympic winner seemingly earned the participation in a display of sheer resilience. However, her saddleback games had its own hurdles, with one pivotal moment defining the cyclist’s current ascent as a national leader.

Retired cycling sensation crafts victories beyond barriers 

Evidently, when Meares tried her attempt at the 2012 London Olympics almost a decade ago, her encounter at Heathrow Airport turned rather disgraceful. Facing rebukes from the dismissive immigration official, the former cycling professional recalled his hints at her potential outcome against a competing British rider. 

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With spotlights on cycling sensation Victoria Pendleton, the Australian athlete remembered the officer’s humiliating take, asking Meares to enjoy her silver win. While his statements sparked laughter and camaraderie among her track team comrades, the retired cyclist narrated their influence in her subsequent gameplay. 

Significantly, they encouraged her confidence, shrugging off the white noise of negativity as Meares seized her cycling victories alongside. Standing as a landmark in saddleback championships, the meritorious rider even claimed 11 world titles throughout her long-lasting career. 

However, beyond her cycling medals in countless ordeals, Meares’ path to greatness was a turbulent one, marked by adversities that shaped her indelible prowess. 

Pro athlete overcomes setbacks with persistent efforts 

Reportedly, just months before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a horrific velodrome accident in Los Angeles came her way, leaving her suffering from a broken neck. Adding to her risks of possible paralysis, Meares’ cycling mentor and coach, Gary West, was then diagnosed with motor neurone disease. 

Recorded during the Rio Olympics, these tough times also led to the collapse of her nine-year marriage, marking consecutive battles in her life. However, despite all odds, the cycling enthusiast navigated through these troubles with the empathetic help of her sister, Kerrie, a fellow sprint competitor. 

Then, after maturing into a compassionate leader, Meares’ prior stint as an assistant chef de mission at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games honed her expertise. Recalling moments from her 14-year-long racing presence, Meares shared her candid mantra, stating, “Winning is addictive and I hate losing.”

Gaining a vivid understanding of the sport, the Australian icon seemed all set to help the Australian team, joining her current role spanning the upcoming Paris games in 2024. While the planned tenure between Anna Meares and her national crew was marked until the 2032 Brisbane season, it underscored her much-needed revival in velodrome races. 

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