Anna Meares enticed to consider Rio

Sprint cycling gold medallist Anna Meares says she is enticed to compete in a fourth Olympics at Rio, but she wants to take some time off to think about it.

“I haven’t made a decision,” Meares told reporters in Melbourne on Tuesday.

“I’m enticed to go to Rio that’s for sure.”

The 28-year-old was in Melbourne to receive a framed set of commemorative stamps that honoured her cycling gold medal in the women’s sprint in London, where she also picked up a bronze medal in the women’s team sprint with Kaarle McCulloch.

Meares thinks she wants to go on to the Rio Games, but first she will take a sabbatical that could last 12 months.

“I just want to remove myself from that situation and enjoy life away from cycling, away from this hype and all the fun that comes with it,” she said.

Meares’ London win came eight years after her first Olympic gold medal, four years after nearly ending up a quadriplegic and then winning Olympic silver and four days after one of the worst races of her career.

Even if she decides not to return to the Olympics, she doesn’t plan to slow down too much.

“I think I’ll still be very active,” Meares said.

“I’m one of those people who likes to stay fit and healthy so I’ll still ride.

“Just competitively I’ll take a break for a little while.”

The Roar have special SKODA prize packs to award to Roar of the Crowd writers who send us their thoughts on cycling. Each month we're giving away a prize pack, and at the end you could win a SKODA road bike. Simply submit an article to The Roar and you could win! More details here.