Australian flagbearer Anna Meares has delivered a tear-jerking speech to her team ahead of what she says will be the highlight of her inspirational career at the Rio Games.
An emotional Meares broke down as she told teammates and officials of her love for the Olympics and how proud she'll be to lead them into Maracana Stadium for Friday night's opening ceremony.
Despite having won five medals, including two gold, since debuting at Athens in 2004, her desire for the event burns just as bright as ever as she becomes the first female Australian cyclist to compete in a fourth Games.
In a speech which delighted Governor-General Peter Cosgrove, AOC team boss Kitty Chiller and athletes alike, Meares said she still very much remained the coal miner's daughter from Blackwater who dreamed big.
"For me I love what I do and I'm still here because I love wearing the green and gold," she said after the team's flag-raising ceremony at the Olympic village.
"I get a few rare days every four years to put those colours on and represent my country.
"I'm still chasing those dreams that I had growing up as a little girl growing up in country Queensland, and that will never leave me."
Meares cried as she delivered that line to her team, which also brought tears from many in the 421-strong team.
Boxer Shelley Watts revealed she and kayak star Jess Fox were among those who shed tears.
"It was phenomenal," said Watts. "You know it hits home when it's said by someone like Anna and she just speaks from the heart."
Cosgrove and Chiller also delivered uplifting speeches to the team before they attended the official welcome to the athletes' village with Pacific neighbours Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu.
It took Meares two days to write her speech, only finished five minutes before addressing teammates during a team motivational session.
"The thing that was most challenging for me is what do you say to a group of mates who are motivated and I'm inspired and successful already," she said.
"That's why I spent so long trying to find the right words for them. I just didn't know what to say so I gave them a piece of me."
The 32-year-old multiple world champion, who came back from a career-threatening neck injury to compete at the Beijing Games, can't wait for Friday night's opening ceremony.
The AOC has announced that 145 athletes will march behind Meares, with the numbers cut down due to almost 160 being in action on the first day of competition and advised against marching.
"I think it will be a moment that will be the biggest highlight in my life," she said. "Not just for me but my family as well."