Anna Meares will again be the Australian Olympic team’s chef de mission

Anna Meares was always going to say “yes” if asked to continue her role as Australia’s chef de mission for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after an “extraordinary experience” in Paris.

The former champion cyclist has been reappointed in the wake of the team’s stunning success that included a record medal haul of 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze for a total of 53 medals across 15 sports.

Meares was initially appointed just for Paris, but the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) never wavered in offering her the job for LA.

“I knew that if the offer was made, my answer would be yes,” she said.

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

“It was important for every athlete to know that they were supported and central to our team. Not every athlete can achieve the outcome they train so hard to achieve, but they and their support network are so critical to the overall team and environment.

“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.”

Having guided the 487 athletes with strong leadership, Meares’ feedback “has been overwhelmingly positive”, AOC boss Ian Chesterman said.

“The Australian team, which totalled 467 athletes, was united and performed brilliantly both on and off the field of play, and Anna was pivotal to the wonderful outcomes achieved in Paris,” he said.

“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.

“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.

“I am delighted that Anna had no hesitation in saying ‘yes’ to taking on the opportunities and challenges presented by Los Angeles in four years time.”

The LA Olympic Games will take place between July 14 and 30 and include cricket, lacrosse, baseball and softball, flag football and squash, which could take Australia’s team past 500 athletes.