2018 Commonwealth Games: Aussie world champ Sally Pearson “gutted” after injury exit

Australia’s world champion 100 metres hurdler Sally Pearson has been forced to withdraw from her home Commonwealth Games as she battles a serious Achilles injury that could sideline her for up to a year. (CWG 2018 live updates)

Pearson’s absence is another blow for the quadrennial Games which have already been hit by a number of high-profile withdrawals by top athletes.

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“Gutted. Absolutely gutted,” Pearson, a Gold Coast resident who had been the Games’ main ambassador for years, told reporters on Thursday. “There were a lot of tears flowing.

“I guess you could call it grief. I was double and triple checking it was the right decision (to withdraw).

“Not being able to go out on that track and run for Australia is gut wrenching.”

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Pearson, who won gold at the London Olympics, said she knew she would not compete for two days but had delayed the announcement to play a part in the opening ceremony at Carrara Stadium on Wednesday where she was last baton-bearer in the relay.

“I had a big role to play in the opening ceremony which is why I waited until today to make the announcement,” said Pearson, one of Australia’s most decorated track athletes.

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“I did everything I possibly could. I left no stone unturned to run in the 100m hurdles and the 4x100m relay.”