Two-time gold medallist Anna Meares will return to the Olympic arena after being appointed Australia's chef de mission for the 2024 Games in Paris.
Meares won six medals in track cycling across four Olympic appearances and was Australia's flag bearer at the 2016 Games in Rio.
She famously won her second gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics in the sprint, four years after a horrific accident during a World Cup meet in Los Angeles almost ended her career.
She is the only Australian to win individual medals at four consecutive Olympics.
"Every athlete comes with a story, an ambition and a feeling of great pride in representing their country," Meares said in an Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) statement.
"My job is to ensure we provide the right environment for all of them as they strive for Olympic success, enjoy their experience as an Olympian, and allow all in Australia to learn about their story and connect through sport.
"My priority now is to build strong relationships with our sports leaders and our athlete leaders.
"There's already been a lot of work done in that area through the AOC. I look forward to spending time catching up with athletes and get their thoughts first-hand."
Meares, 39. replaces AOC president Ian Chesterman as Australia's chef de mission at the summer Olympics.
"When you examine what she has achieved, the obstacles she has overcome and the manner of her achievement, the qualities that make a Chef de Mission are there on abundant display," Chesterman said.
"Very importantly, Anna is a leader and has a passion for serving athletes. She will be a wonderful team-builder for our team members going to Paris.
"She has walked in the athletes' shoes at four Olympic Games, winning medals of every colour and was our team captain in Rio."
Meares made her Olympic debut as a 20-year-old at the 2004 Athens Games, winning the 500 metres time trial.
