Shock and Oz: Hurdles favourite Pearson withdraws from Games
SALLY PEARSON’S withdrawal from the 100m hurdles competition in her native Gold Coast yesterday sent shockwaves around Australia.
The Olympic and world champion, told reporters she was “gutted” to have to abandon her plans to compete at her home championships due to an Achilles problem that flared up two days ago while training at the athletes’ village. She decided not to announce her withdrawal until after she had completed her duties as the final baton bearer in the Queen’s Baton Relay at the Opening Ceremony on Wednesday.
“It’s very gutting, there were tears, a lot of tears,” said an emotional Pearson. “There was a numb phase and a crying phase. I went out there last night into the Opening Ceremony and heard the roar for Australia.
“Not being able to feel that for myself in my individual events is very disappointing. It’s gut-wrenching, it’s heartbreaking and it’s very unfortunate I can’t get out there.”
Thankfully, there was no question of retirement, with Pearson saying she was determined to get fit and compete at the 2019 world championships in Doha and the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
“Going to the world championships next year and then eight months after that the Olympic Games in Tokyo, for me that’s the most important thing … to make sure I can get to those competitions as strong as ever and be at my best again. Retirement was never an option for me.”