Kerrie Meares (born 4 September 1982 in Blackwater) is an Australian professional racing cyclist, and the older sister of Olympic Champion, Anna Meares. Kerrie and Anna watched the 1994 Commonwealth Games (that took place in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada) on television, where they saw Australian racing cyclist (Kathy Watt) compete, prompting them to try the sport.[1]
In 2002 and after winning 2 x Commonwealth Games Gold Medals in Manchester, Meares was awarded the Queensland Sportswoman of the Year. Later that year, she was awarded the Peter Lacey award, an award bestowed on Queensland Academy of Sport athletes who have achieved great international success as well as being an ambassador for their sport.[2] Meares went on to win further medals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in both the 500m Time Trial and Match Sprint in Melbourne, but retired before a third consecutive games in Delhi, India.[3]
As a Junior athlete, Meares was extremely successful breaking numerous State and National records in Sprint discipline events. She was a contender for the 2004 Olympic team, but pulled out from competition due to nagging back injuries, suffered during numerous crashes that occurred during competitions earlier that year.[4]
Meares retired from professional track cycling in 2007 and married former compatriot and sportswoman Emily Rosemond.[5] Post retirement from cycling, Kerrie and her wife Emily started the Track Cycling Academy based in Brisbane and online.[6]
Honours
2002 Australian Female Track Cyclist of the Year
2002 Queensland Sportswoman of the Year
2002 Peter Lacey Award
1999-2001 Multiplex Women's Sport Rising Star Scholarship Award
1997, 2000, 2001 Morning Bulletin / Frenchville Sports Club Junior Sports Star of the Year
2000 Australian Junior Women's Track Cyclist of the Year
