Kaarle McCulloch reunites with Anna Meares as Paris 2024 deputy chef de mission

Dual track cycling Olympian Kaarle McCulloch has been added to the management team for Australia’s campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics, coming on board as a deputy chef de mission.

The news comes two weeks after AusCycling and the Queensland Academy of Sport announced her impending homecoming as the track cycling sprint coach in Queensland from late August.

The four-time world champion, who retired after the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, joins former teammate and Paris 2024 chef de mission Anna Meares, along with fellow deputy chefs Ken Wallace, Bronwen Knox, Mark Knowles and Kyle Vander-Kuyp.

McCulloch said her Olympic experiences have shaped the person she is today and she wants to share that knowledge.

Kaarle McCulloch at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Picture: Odd Andersen/AFP

“My first taste of the Olympics was Sydney 2000 where at the age of 12 I fell in love with the energy and spirit of the games, from the fans to the volunteers to the athletes, the Olympics is an event that thrives on human spirit," McCulloch said.

“In my role as deputy chef de mission I aim to uphold, build and cultivate that human spirit alongside Anna and the team and help to make the Games a memorable experience for all involved.

“I aim to share my experiences and knowledge with those that I will be fortunate to cross paths with - from the struggles that an Olympics brings, to the highs. I have always loved sports and I am excited to get to know the many athletes, staff and officials that will make up the Paris 2024 Olympics."

Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) President Ian Chesterman said Kaarle will head to Paris with an intimate understanding of the challenges that sport can place on athletes.

“We are very lucky to have secured Kaarle for these Games because she knows how those challenges can be negotiated. Following the news that she’s finishing up with her employment in Great Britain we are obviously now pleased to make this appointment," Chesterman said.

Anna Meares and Kaarle McCulloch won bronze in the team sprint at London 2012. Picture: Getty Images

“She rounds out a very experienced group of deputy chefs supporting Anna Meares. With the Games spread around Paris further afield around France, it’s very important to have this group out and about ensuring that everything is in place to give our athletes their best opportunity to shine.

Chef de mission Anna Meares said Kaarle brings an insight to the role of deputy chef not just that of the athlete but also from the eyes of a coach.

“Her ability to remain calm under pressure, assess and lead is exceptional. We work well together, winning three world titles in the women’s team sprint and Olympic Bronze in London 2012, and I am excited to again work with Kaarle in a new way outside of our competitive careers," Meares said.

“Since retiring after Tokyo in 2021, Kaarle finished her university degree and coached abroad. This has given her a perspective where she can offer invaluable support to the athletes and the coaching group that will be heading to Paris next year, and to the leadership team she joins with myself, Mark Knowles, Ken Wallace, Bronwyn Knox and Kyle Vander-Kuyp."

Feature picture: Tim de Waele/Getty Images