Champion Australian track cyclist Anna Meares announces her retirement

ANNA Meares has confirmed her retirement from cycling saying she would have loved to ride on to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 but her body has simply had enough.

Anna Meares. The Australian Olympic team arrive home after competing in the 2016 RIO Olympics to family and friends at The Opera House. Picture: Adam Taylor

ANNA Meares has confirmed her retirement from cycling saying she would have loved to ride on to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in 2018 but her body has simply had enough.

The two-time Olympic gold medallist has revealed she required six cortisone injections in her spine just to get to a fourth Games in Rio where she won a bronze medal in the keirin final.

At 33 and after 11 world titles, six Olympic medals and 35 national championships, Meares is preparing to embark on life after cycling which includes charity and media work.

Time for a new path #retirement #33 #proud #happy #satisfied #newpath #new adventures 📷c/-AAPhttps://t.co/GxqYZSqi4t pic.twitter.com/0ofIDKx0LF

— Anna Meares (@AnnaMeares) October 16, 2016

“The reason I took some time to myself after Rio, I wanted to remove myself from that environment and get over some of the emotions attached with the Olympic Games,” Meares said.

“A factor in that was the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and whether I would ride on (to that). Having looked back and seen what I have achieved and assessed some of the injuries I had going into Rio — some people aren’t aware just to get to Rio I had six cortisone injections through my spine, had to change tact for six months.

“I have to feel satisfied and happy to step aside from the sport and try something new and different.

Bronze medallist Anna Meares of Australia at the Rio 2016b Olympic Games

“I am really proud of my longevity, also proud of the level of high consistency in my performances and results during my career.

“It is hard to close this chapter, because it is a bloody big one, but I am really excited about the doors opening in to the next chapter of my life.”

Meares is the most successful female track cyclist in history and the most successful Australian cyclist in Olympic history as the only rider to medal in four consecutive Games.

Moving forward she will mentor some of Cycling Australia’s emerging young riders and is also planning to do a charity ride with former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh.

Anna Meares celebrates winning gold at the London 2012 Olympics..

When asked about a standout moment from her glittering career, Meares said:

“It is hard to go past that gold medal win against Victoria Pendleton and the high performance program at Cycling Australia to make that win.

“It is (also) hard to go past that silver in Beijing after my accident a few months prior.”

In Rio, Meares still managed to win Australian cycling’s only individual medal of the Games with bronze in the women’s keirin final.

There is no doubt that Meares goes out as a hugely respected and valued member of the Australian team having led the Aussies and carried the flag at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Commonwealth Games and this year’s Rio Olympics.

Originally published as Champion Australian track cyclist Anna Meares announces her retirement