Meares joined Team Jayco and Port Adelaide in Australia, with Gary West as her coach since 2009. She has earned several nicknames, including Bubzie, Annie, and Anna Banana. Her most memorable achievement came in 2015 when she won the keirin at the World Championships in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines, France.

Challenges and Injuries

Throughout her career, Meares faced multiple injuries. In 2013, a back injury sidelined her for two weeks. Six months before the 2008 Beijing Olympics, she suffered a hairline fracture to her vertebra and other injuries from a crash. Despite these setbacks, she continued to excel in her sport.

Awards and Honours

Meares has received numerous accolades. She was named Women's Health Woman of the Year in 2015 and was the Australian flag bearer for the 2014 Commonwealth Games. She also won the Australian Cyclist of the Year award twice and was named AIS Athlete of the Year in 2007 and 2011.

Family and Personal Life

Her sister Kerrie also represented Australia in track cycling and won two Commonwealth gold medals in 2002. In January 2015, Meares separated from her husband Mark Chadwick, which led to a challenging period in her life. She nearly quit cycling but eventually found joy and passion for the sport again.

Records and Milestones

Meares set several records during her career. Her gold medal win at the 2015 World Championships marked her 11th world championship gold medal, a record for female cyclists. She also became the first female Australian track cyclist to win Olympic gold in 2004.

Responding to Criticism

During the 2012 London Olympics, Meares received negative messages from fans of her British rival Victoria Pendleton. She took six months to respond to every single message, using various platforms to address the criticism.

Hiatus and Comeback

After the 2012 Olympics, Meares took a break from cycling and missed the 2013 World Championship. She returned to competition in July 2013. Reflecting on a serious crash in 2008, she believes it made her tougher and more focused as an athlete.

Other Roles

Apart from her cycling career, Meares is a charity ambassador for several organisations, including the National Breast Cancer Foundation and Little Heroes Foundation. She was also elected as a member of the Australian Athletes' Commission at the 2012 London Olympics.

Anna Meares continues to inspire many with her resilience and dedication to cycling. Her journey is a testament to overcoming challenges and achieving greatness through hard work and perseverance.