Pearson hurdles her way into gong gig

IT was one of the comebacks of the year and the accolades continue to flow for Sally Pearson who is one of 10 women short-listed for to be the IAAF World Athlete of the Year.

The self-coached hurdler, who returned to full training late last month ahead of the Commonwealth Games, claimed her second world crown in London in August in a remarkable comeback from a serious wrist injury which sidelined her at the Rio Olympics.

Just a fortnight ago, Pearson was also short-listed for the prestigious The Don award by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in an acknowledgment of her achievement.

Pearson is up against the likes of South African middledistance runner Caster Semenya, Ethiopian distance star Almaz Ayana and Olympic champion pole vaulter Ekaterini Stefanidi of Greece for the award.

“Wow! Wasn’t expecting this nomination. Shocked 2 be up this year against some remarkable athletes. Thank you (IAAF), I’m truly honoured,” Pearson tweeted.

Missing from the men’s short-list is Usain Bolt with Mo Farah and world 400m champion Wayde van Niekerk among the leading candidates.