Former Australian cyclist Anna Meares gives birth to first child

Anna Meares competed at four Olympic Games, winning two gold medals for Australia. But according to her, nothing compares to becoming a mother.

Olympic cyclist Anna Meares gave birth to her first child on Monday, announcing the news on her Instagram.

Meares and her partner Nick Flyger — Australia’s national sprint cycling coach — posted a photo with the newborn, confirming the baby girl’s “safe arrival”.

“Better than any medal or title I have ever won, The day that I became a mum,” Meares captioned the image.

“@nick_flyger and I are thrilled to share the safe arrival of our daughter Evelyn Bette Meares Flyger. Born 1207am 10/02/2020 weighing 3.39kg.”

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Several Australian sporting stars commented on the post, congratulating the couple and welcoming the newest member of their family.

“Congratulations … she is gorgeous. And good job Mama. Lots of love to you all,” responded Aussie tennis star Casey Dellacqua.

“I can’t wipe the smile off my face. So precious! Congratulations Anna and Nick. She is SO CUTE,” Australian runner Jessica Stenson replied.

Surfing legend Mick Fanning, who revealed his fiancee was pregnant on Saturday, also posted, “Congrats!!”

Meares revealed her pregnancy in September last year, conceding becoming a mother has been a lifelong goal.

“This is the one thing that I’ve always wanted that I’ve never had,” Meares told The Advertiser.

“In context of titles, being a parent, for Nick being a dad and me being a mum, I would put that above everything I’ve ever done. In some ways, I wasn’t sure I’d ever get this chance so it’s really special now that we have.”

The 36-year-old won six medals for cycling at the Olympic Games, including two gold. She competed at four Olympic Games before retiring in 2016.

Anna Meares was Australia’s team captain at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

Meares was flag-bearer and captain of the Australian team at the 2016 Rio Games, where she became the first Aussie to win an individual medal in four consecutive Olympics.