- Video
-
Club Roar
Captured a great grassroots sporting moment? We want to see it!Content Collections
The Roar Community
- Join
- Login
Anna Meares says she’s ready to “smash some ceilings” in her bid to become the most successful female track cyclist ever.
The South Australian needs just one more world title to break the current record of 10, which she shares with France’s Felicia Ballanger.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist will have three opportunities to do so at this week’s world track cycling championships in Cali, Colombia, where she’ll contest the 500m time trial, sprint and keirin.
“I remember in one of my first senior trips on the national team, I asked Shane Kelly for an autograph because he was one of my idols, and he wrote on the bottom ‘four-time world champion’,” the 30-year-old recalled on the eve of her 12th world championships.
“And I walked away going ‘I wish I could just win one’. Now I am at my 10th and I still would love to win more and maybe smash some ceilings that have been there in the past.”
Unlike Meares, Ballanger only had two disciplines – the sprint and time trial – to claim her 10 titles between 1995 and 1999.
And that’s something Meares respects.
“I certainly appreciate that I have had more opportunities and events to be able to achieve it,” she said.
This week’s world championships is Meares’ first in two years, following her post-London Olympic break.
While she said she’d love to walk away with three medals – of any colour – her sights are firmly set on the 2016 Games.
“It is a really important event for me, not just what’s on offer here, but for my preparations and the stepping stones I feel need to take towards the Rio Olympic Games.
“So it is a double win-win for me, something I can win here and something that will set me up really well for two-and-a-half years’ time.”
Meares’ campaign starts on Thursday with her signature event, the 500m time trial.
Fancy a wager on your favourite sport? Head on over to PlayUp for great odds and friendly customer service and pick a winner. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.