Crossing the Line Radio, with track cyclist Anna Meares

January 26, 2019Rupert Guinness

Anna Meares

Six-time Olympic medalist, five-time Commonwealth champion and 11-time World Champion across four different disciplines, track cyclist Anna Meares needs little introduction.

She has overcome huge physical and mental hurdles, including a broken neck, a marriage breakdown and the death of her coach Gary West, to become the most decorated female track cyclist of all time.

Anna met up with Rupert Guinness at the Santos Tour Down Under to chat about her incredible career, overcoming adversity, her decision to retire, and how she has managed life after sport so far.

Rupert Guinness

contributor

View Rupert Guinness's profile

Rupert Guinness's stories

Join Rupert Guinness on the road to RAAM Crossing the Line Radio, with track cyclist Anna Meares Crossing the Line Radio, with adventurer Kate Leeming “There is a whole lot more in life than being a fantastic athlete.”Crossing the Line Radio, with track cyclist Gary Neiwand Richie Porte: Finding the silver lining to a Tour de France set-back Crossing the Line Radio, with elite cyclist and Head of Women in Sport Dr Bridie O’Donnell Crossing the Line Radio, with Sydney Swan Dean Towers Crossing the Line Radio, with Waratah Dean Mumm Crossing the Line Radio, with Wallaby Adam Freier Crossing the Line Radio, with Olympian Louise Bawden Life after sport is a slow burn, not an overnight success “I was an addict. It is really hard to say that.”The power of kindness “You need to have an identity that isn’t entirely defined by sport.”How the sporting world is embracing mental health Why athletes are afraid to speak out about mental health A balanced life creates better athletes and more career opportunities Kim Brennan: I wouldn’t have rowed after 2008 if I didn’t have work and study on the side How much more evidence do we really need to link sport and mental health?Shining a light on athlete mental health The pursuit of excellence can come at a price: it’s time for change