Australian athletics great Sally Pearson has officially announced her retirement from the sport effective immediately.
Over 16 years, she has had more than a brilliant sporting career which has included:
- Olympic gold medalist (2012 in 100m Hurdles)
- Olympic silver medalist (2008 in 100m Hurdles)
- Olympic record holder (12.35 in 100m hurdles, set in 2012)
- 2 x World Championships gold medals (2011 & 2017 in 100m Hurdles)
- World Indoor Championships gold medallist (2012 in 60m hurdles)
- 2 x Commonwealth Games gold medals (2010 & 2014 in 100m hurdles)
- 16-time Australian champion (100m, 200m and 100m hurdles)
- Australian record holder (12.28 in 100m hurdles, set in 2011)
“I have prided myself on always being on the start line ready to win. I no longer believe I can achieve this. It is therefore with much regret that I have come to the conclusion that it is time to retire from this phase of my life and move on to the next,” Pearson said.
“I love my sport and the friends I have made through it. I have had wonderful support from my family, my team, Athletics Australia, the AOC, my sponsors, the media and the fans – to them all I say thank you”.
Athletics Australia CEO Darren Gocher said:
“Sally is an Australian champion. She has been a great ambassador for the sport for a long time and has had an outstanding career, with many highlights. This is the start of a new chapter in Sally’s life and we wish her all the best,” Gocher said.
“Sally has inspired a new generation of athletes and the future looks bright for the sport,” he added.
The Australian athletics team are preparing for the IAAF World Athletics Championships being held in Doha from September 28 – October 8, 2019.
—ENDS—
