Anna Meares will continue her reign as Australia’s chef de mission to the Los Angeles Games in 2028

After an incredible first campaign in Paris, Australia’s much loved chef de mission, Anna Meares is set extend her reign to Los Angeles 2028, while the AOC will begin the search for a new CEO.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA : NewsWire Photos- AUGUST 14 2024 ; Chef de Mission Anna Meares onstage during the welcome home ceremony for The Australian Olympic Team who arrived home into Sydney on Qantas from Paris and are greeted by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, Qantas Group CEO Vanessa Hudson, and athletes' families with a special performance by Jessica Mauboy at Sydney airport. Picture: NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

Anna Meares has been reappointed as Australia’s chef de mission for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics following her wildly successful debut as team leader in Paris.

Just like when she was competing as a track cyclist for Australia, Meares has retained her golden touch as a team official, overseeing Australia’s best-ever performance at the world’s biggest sporting event.

Outperforming other countries with bigger populations and budgets, the Australian team won an unprecedented 18 gold medals at this year’s Paris Olympics, as well as 19 and 16 bronze for a total of 53 medals across 15 sports.

Initially appointed just for Paris, Meares impressed everyone so much in her first crack at chef de mission that the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has already offered her the job for Los Angeles.

Anna Meares was a popular team leader with members of the Australian Olympic team. Picture: Adam Head

“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,” AOC President Ian Chesterman said.

“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.

Meares is already an Australian Olympic legend on and off the track.

She competed at four Olympic Games between 2004-2016, winning six medals, including two gold, and carried the Australian flag at the opening ceremony in Rio.

Now 41, she said she had no hesitation in accepting the role for a second time.

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

“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.”

Anna Meares had no hesitation when accepting the role for Los Angeles. Picture: Supplied

Meanwhile the Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) will have start searching for a new chief executive officer after Matt Carroll announced he is quitting in six months.

One of Australia’s most respected and successful sports administrators, Carroll’s departure is a major surprise given that Brisbane is already locked in to host the Olympics in 2032 and the Australian team is still on a massive high after theirrecord success at this year’s Paris Games.

Carroll only notified AOC staff on Tuesday that he had decided to step down in May 2025, leaving enough time for a new CEO to be appointed before the next Winter Olympics, taking place in northern Italy in February 2026.

In a statement, Carroll, 64, said he was leaving of his own accord and felt it was in the best interests of the AOC to hire a replacement well ahead of the Brisbane Olympics.

“For me, the time is right to pass the baton on in a way that ensures a successor can get to work with confidence,” he said.

“I look forward to working with our Executive to ensure that process runs smoothly. As to my future, I will see what other adventures come along.”

Australian Olympic Committee CEO Matt Carroll has stepped down from his role. Picture: Saeed KHAN / AFP

The AOC said it would conduct a global search for Carroll’s replacement from the start of 2025 with AOC President Ian Chesterman praising his contribution to the job since he took over seven years ago.

“I would like to congratulate Matt and to say that the AOC is in a much better place for his leadership over the past eight years is a massive understatement. His contribution has been enormous and will be enduring,” Chesterman said.

“Matt advised me that he did not want to continue through to Brisbane 2032 and importantly whoever held the role going into Brisbane needed to lead the organisation at LA 2028. I agreed that was the best approach for the AOC.

“Matt will continue to guide us through to May next year when he will step down. The timing allows us to recruit a replacement and conduct an effective transition.”

Originally published as Anna Meares will continue her reign as Australia’s chef de mission to the Los Angeles Games in 2028