SALLY TAKES WORLD VIEW
SALLY Pearson’s leading competitors are falling around her but the Gold Coast track queen remains focused on her own build up for a world title.
Reigning Olympic 100m hurdles champion Brianna Rollins from America has been suspended from competition after missing three drug tests and won’t be eligible to run at the IAAF World Athletics Championships, to be held in London in August.
While current world record holder Kendra Harrison, also from the USA, has just undergone finger surgery – something Pearson can relate to after having her own injury issues. Harrison is expected to be fit for the world titles. Pearson continues her preparations for the championships when she heads to Europe tonight.
“Whoever is on the track is my competitor,” Pearson said.
“We have some of the top hurdlers in the world every single time we run.”
“No matter who is there or who misses out, it’s always fierce competition when we go over there for the world championships.
“For me it literally is who is there on the day and whoever crosses that finish line first is the best athlete in the world.”
Pearson said she was in top shape ahead of her trip to Europe despite battling through personal family issues the former Olympic gold medallist wouldn’t elaborate on.
“It’s been a wild four days for me personally,” Pearson said.
“Personally I’m fine but personal family stuff has been happening.”
Pearson will compete in Manchester, then head to Boston and Jamaica.
She will fly back to Australia mid-June before returning to Europe in July.
The 30-year-old won an eighth national hurdles title at the start of April.
Pearson is looking to use that as a springboard to recapture her best form following what has been two years plagued by injuries.
Pearson broke her wrist in a race fall in 2015 and missed the Rio Olympics in 2016 due to a mix of hamstring and achilles problems.
The self-coached star said she moved on within days of winning her national title as she turned her focus towards the world championships.
“I came back down to earth three days later – it was back into training and hard work,” Pearson said.
“You can win major competitions, you can win national championships but at the same time it’s kind of sad also because you have to move on so quickly from your achievements so you can get ready for your next one.
“You’re always constantly looking ahead.”
– TOM BOSWELL