Anna Meares OAM is considered by many to be Australia’s most accomplished cyclist and one of our greatest athletes of all time.
During her 15-year career as an elite athlete, Anna collected an incredible 18 gold medals, 13 silver medals, and 16 bronze medals at Olympic, World, and Commonwealth Games level across the 500m Time Trial, Keirin, Sprint, and Team Sprint events. Her career was one of many highs, lows, determination, grit, Hard-work, and dedication.
In January 2008, a mere seven months before her second Olympic campaign for the Beijing Games, Anna broke her neck at the Los Angeles World Cup. It was possible she may never ride again. However, against all odds, Anna returned to the bike and won the silver medal in the Women’s Individual Sprint; it would be the only Olympic medal won by any Australian Cyclist in any cycling discipline in Beijing.
The 2012 London Olympics saw Anna’s great rivalry with Great British cyclist Victoria Pendleton came to a head, with Anna and her coach Gary West utilising data to take the Gold in the Sprint in an epic showdown.
At Rio in 2016, Anna was named Australia’s flag bearer and team captain. At the same Games, she made Olympic history by being the first Australian athlete from any sport to have ever won individual medals at four consecutive Olympic Games.
After 22 years involved in the sport, Anna retired as the most decorated female athlete in the world with 11 world titles. Of her 41 career medals, she achieved 26 following her near-career ending injury.
In 2018, while Anna was settling into post-professional life and training as a foster career, she was inducted into the SA and QLD Sport Halls of Fame for her sporting achievements. She was awarded "legend” status in the SA Sport Hall of Fame in 2021 (the youngest ever to achieve this accolade) and was inducted into Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Anna was a key team member of the commentating team for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics with Channel 7.
Anna was the General Manger for the Australian Commonwealth Games team in Birmingham 2022.
Anna was appointed Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, leading the team to their most successful Olympics ever. In November 2024, it was announced Anna would continue her role as Chef de Mission of the Australian Olympic Team for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
An accomplished and truly inspirational speaker, Anna speaks of sportsmanship, accountability, authenticity, success, and the power of the mind over the body. "Success is not about staying un-defeated" she says, "it's about how you handle defeat - that's what makes a true champion on the track and off it".
Talking Points
Paris Olympics 2024
Anna's experiences and journey as Chef de Mission at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Paris Olympics 2024
Keynote Presentations
Anna’s keynote address is able to speak to a range of topics including performance under pressure, psychology of success, dealing with change, resilience, leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and the power of the mind over the body.
Keynote Presentations
Video
Anna Meares Recalls How it Feels To Break A World Record | Anh's Brush With Fame
Anh is joined by champion cyclist Anna Meares. From her upbringing as a coal miner's daughter to winning Olympic gold, she opens up about her near-death injury, personal loss, family sacrifice, and record-breaking triumph. #ABWFAnna Meares OAM was brilliant, she was warm, professional, engaging, motivating, emotional, genuine and funny. ... keep reading KPMG
Anna Meares OAM was fantastic. Her story was inspirational and reflective of the strength of her character.
Anna's message transcended sports: it resonated with professionals, students, and advocates of all backgrounds. Her humility and authenticity made her not just an Olympic champion but a relatable and inspiring figure for all of us striving to excel in their fields.
Anna was very professional, spoke clearly and with definite direction and intention. Her overall presentation was amazing.
Anna drew a crowd our exhibitors all came in for the session, and certainly didn't disappoint anyone people were still talking about her presentation the next day. One of the impressive things about Anna's presentation related to her being able to weave something she had heard in the previous presentation, and which was of significant interest to the delegates, into her presentation, and to make it humorous for an issue that was a little contentious Anna did this in a very natural way that recognised the significance but also brought some humour into it, not at all disrespectfully. Overall amazing presentation that touched all.
Anna was a fantastic speaker and consummate professional. She spoke honestly and passionately which absolutely shone through. Our audience were totally engrossed in what she had to say and we had a lot of requests for autographs and photos afterwards.
Anna was outstanding with excellent feedback from students, parents and staff on what an impressive and inspirational speaker.
In one word AMAZING! Anna's beautiful personality and professionalism shone through on Friday! She is so easy to talk to and was absolutely engaged with our guests. Her interviewing style is second to none and for 30 minutes a room of 720 people was absolutely silent. We have had many guests comment on how wonderful she was as a guest speaker. We would have her again!
Anna absolutely nailed her keynote presentation and ensured that our Convention began on such an uplifted note. Her incredible story, lessons learned and key take-away messages resonated with all of our delegates and partners who all sat there spell-bound throughout Anna's presentation. Two days later the most common statement still being made at our Convention is How fantastic was Anna Meares! Thank you Anna.
