Australia is wasting no time. Its National Olympic Committee (AOC) has already settled an often complex issue in the preparation and success of the Games: the appointment of the Chef de Mission. With just under four years to go until Los Angeles 2028, Australia is playing for continuity by appointing former track cyclist Anna Meares (pictured above) to fill the role in California. The two-time Olympic champion, now 43, who is Chef de Mission at Paris 2024, was reappointed because of Team Australia's historic results in France. With 18 gold, 19 silver and 16 bronze medals, she finished fourth in the nations' rankings. The Australian delegation had 467 athletes at Paris 2024. With the addition of the additional sports, it could surpass 500 competitors at Los Angeles 2028. Another announcement from the AOC: the departure next year of its CEO, Matt Carroll. He will leave his position in May 2025, at the end of the body's general meeting. A recruitment process will be launched in January 2025 to find a successor.
