SAL WINS GC GONG
COMEBACK queen Sally Pearson has claimed her first major win for 2018, with the world champion hurdler last night crowned Gold Coast Sports Star of the Year.
As she ramps up her bid for Commonwealth Games glory by competing at the national track and field titles, Pearson last night beat a hot field at Southport Sharks to earn the prestigious gong for a fourth time.
SHE stands on the cusp of a star turn in a home Commonwealth Games but Sally Pearson admits there were times she almost gave up on her sporting dream.
Pearson was named the Gold Coast Sports Star of the Year at a gala dinner at Southport Sharks last night after snaring the world 100m hurdles title in an epic comeback.
Written off after almost three years of injury battles, Pearson took control of her own program and coached herself to a famous world championship win in London last year.
Tomorrow night, she will attempt to formalise her spot in Australia’s team for the Commonwealth Games with a top-two finish in the national titles at Carrara Stadium, believing resilience has been a key greater than any major championship title.
But the 2012 Olympic champion admitted there were times when she almost gave up on her dream of competing on the Gold Coast.
“I think when you say things like that you’re not thinking straight because you don’t know what’s going on, it’s almost safe to say things like that,” she said.
“It’s nice to be able to be here and be proud of my accomplishments - and my resilience has been the biggest thing that I’ve been able to hold on to.
“Sometimes I don’t know where I get it from and how it comes out but it is part of the passion that I have and the love that I have (for athletics).”
Pearson was named the Gold Coast Sports Star of the Year for a fourth time, snaring the trophy for the first time since her Olympic win in 2012.
Only motorsport star Michael Doohan and swimming great Grant Hackett – who both have seven gongs – appear more frequently on the honour board.
Gold Coast Sporting Hall of Fame chair Daphne Pirie said the award almost always went to a world champion.
“You have to be better than good, or even great, to win this award,” Pirie said.
“You have to be the best. And Sally is the best.
“On and off the track she is a champion. To be a four-time winner of this award puts her in a unique league.”
Pearson had to overcome a star-studded list of finalists including eight other local world champions.
Mathew Belcher (sailing), Harriet Brown (board paddling) and Logan Martin (BMX) were among her rivals.