MELBOURNE – South Australia’s cycling queen Anna Meares has been announced as the nation’s flag-bearer for next month’s Rio de Janeiro Games.

Australian chef de mission Kitty Chiller made the announcement on Wednesday morning at Federation Square in Melbourne.

The 32-year-old cycling legend will defend her track sprint title at her fourth Olympics.

She will compete in the keirin and team sprint events.

“I’m incredibly proud, I’m incredibly humbled,” Meares said at the ceremony on Wednesday.

“For me, a country girl, a coalminers daughter, to become the second cyclist in history to be the flag bearer makes me very emotional and proud.

“I dreamt of being an Olympian, of being an Olympic champion, but never contemplated being a flag bearer.

“Of all the things I have done, carrying the flag for Australia is the greatest honour.”

Meares has won two Olympic and 11 world championship gold medals, as well as five Commonwealth Games titles.

– TiVi Tuan-san