Meares to continue as Australia’s Olympic team chief

Anna Meares says she’s thrilled to be reappointed as Australia’s chef de mission for the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The cycling great took on the role as Australia’s Olympic team leader at this year’s Paris Games and has accepted an offer to continue.

“I knew that if the offer was made, my answer would be yes,” Meares said in a statement on Wednesday.

“Working with the athletes, the sports and with the AOC team behind the scenes was an extraordinary experience for me.

“Since the Games I have enjoyed a wonderful break with my family but importantly have also been involved in taking the lessons from Paris into our planning for Los Angeles.

“LA 2028 will be a very different challenge again.

“A spread-out Games, new sports on the program, the prospect of a bigger team – all of this makes me excited about Los Angeles and knuckling down with the AOC team to get that preparation moving.”

Meares was widely lauded for her leadership at the Paris Games, overseeing Australia’s most successful Olympics in terms of gold medals won – 18.

“Anna’s leadership is authentic leadership and is underpinned by her absolute commitment to the athletes first and foremost. That commitment was unwavering and inspired,” AOC president Ian Chesterman said.

“This was reflected in her contribution to the detailed planning undertaken ahead of the Games, as well as successfully negotiating a path through the Games-time environment.

“She built a great team around her and empowered people to bring their passion and expertise to what was a hugely successful campaign.

“It is a tough job but she did it brilliantly.”

 

Steve Larkin
(Australian Associated Press)

 

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