Pearson puts hurdles first as injury bites
Sally Pearson's dream of double gold in Glasgow is over with the track superstar expected to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games 100m sprint.
The Olympic hurdles champion injured a hamstring while training last month and doesn't believe she will be in shape to contest two events at the sporting extravaganza, which starts today with 12 disciplines in action.
And Pearson, who is among the leaders of a 100-strong track and field team, is also seething over Athletics Australia's decision to fine her for not attending a pre-Games training camp.
Pearson, 800m runner Alex Rowe and discus thrower Benn Harradine were sanctioned by the governing body for not joining teammates in Gateshead, instead opting to compete in a major meeting in London.
"I have to bite my tongue a little bit today," said Pearson, who was hit with a $1300 penalty.
"It was disappointing obviously but it is out of my control now.
"I'll be waiting until after the Commonwealth Games to deal with those situations.
"It is a distraction and a distraction that I don't want right now. I'm focusing everything I can on what I can do to win and be in the best shape possible.
"I'm trying not to think about the unfortunate things and I'll be able to speak a bit more clearly after I race."
Officials from AA are adamant the fines won't be withdrawn.
The main reason Pearson wanted to race in London was to test the hamstring she strained early last month.
The Olympic hurdles champion also relished the opportunity to compete with England's Tiffany Porter, her biggest threat to the Glasgow gold when the hurdles campaign starts tomorrow week. The women's 100m starts on Sunday.
However, the recent event, in which Pearson finished second behind her rival, convinced the 27-year-old she wasn't in shape for the flat sprint.
"The latest I can pull out of the 100m if I'm going to is 48 hours before and I think I'm going to leave it to that," Pearson said.
"Right now it is more likely I am going to pull out."
Pearson has been earmarked to supply one of the expected 152 medals for the Australian team in Glasgow.
And Australia could have success from the outset with Emma Moffatt and Emma Jackson strong contenders in the opening event of the Games - the women's triathlon.
Perth cyclist Scott Sunderland will strive tonight for one of the 18 gold medals predicted to come from Sandgropers when he rides in the men's team pursuit at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodome.
"The latest I can pull out of the 100m … is 48 hours before … it is more likely I am going to …" " *Sally Pearson *
