The Asian Age

Pearson battles injury to make Games

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Gold Coast, March 31: Australia’s world hurdles champion Sally Pearson said Saturday she was “90 per cent” certain of competing at the Gold Coast Commonweal­th Games as she battles an Achilles’ problem.

Pearson hasn’t raced over the hurdles since early March but is targeting the 100- metres hurdles heats on April 12.

“I’d be 90 per cent ( certain for the hurdles). It will be an issue all the way through ( to a final),” the 31- year- old said in Brisbane. “I don’t think the pain will affect my performanc­e. I’ll be able to block it out as much as possible.

“It’s not controlled going to be to be.”

Injuries have been a constant for Pearson, who suffered a broken wrist from a race fall which derailed her 2015 world titles campaign, while a hamstring problem hit her 2016 Rio Olympics hopes.

Last going to be a race — it’s all- out. It has year Pearson claimed hurdles London. a second 100m world title in

“I was thinking the other day if this was my first major ( event, with such a preparatio­n), I’d be struggling a bit more,” Pearson said.

“All my big decisions have helped me to cope with this competitio­n, even though there is more spotlight and pressure being in my home town.

“I’m dealing with it well and staying relaxed.

“It’s a matter of what my body wants to do on the day and that’s pretty much going to make my decision for me.”

 ?? — AFP ?? Defending badminton champion Michelle Li of Canada at a practice session in Gold Coast on Thursday.
— AFP Defending badminton champion Michelle Li of Canada at a practice session in Gold Coast on Thursday.
 ??  ?? Sally Pearson
Sally Pearson

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