Legendary Aussie Olympian Sally Pearson Announces Her Retirement

Aussie athlete Sally Pearson has announced her retirement.

The track star won gold at the 2012 London Olympic Games in the 100m hurdles as well as a silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2013 World Championships.

She announced the big news on social media, writing on Instagram: "I am here to let you all know that I have decided to retire from my sport of athletics.

"It has been a long 16 years, but also a fun and exciting 16 years. My body has decided it is time to let it go, and move forward onto a new direction. I hope I have made you proud Australia."

It's been a shock move considering she was widely tipped to represent Australia for next year's 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Pearson appeared a fortnight ago to help promote the upcoming Games, so the news has come as a surprise to many.

Aussie track and field star Murray Goodwin wrote: "Been surreal to share a few teams with one of Australia's greatest ever athletes. All the best in your retirement @sallypearson. You've taught us all so much."

Sport Australia Chair John Wylie added: "A formidable competitor, a gutsy champion, a role model for women and girls everywhere, and an outstanding representative for our country. Congratulations @sallypearson and thank you on behalf of all Australians."

PA

Pearson went on Channel 7's Sunrise to explain the reason behind the retirement.

She's suffered six injuries in the past six months and the toll it's taken on her body has been too much.

"When you count six injuries this year that no one knows about and another whole year to go of training to the Olympics, to try and win gold, I have major doubts my body will make it," she said.

"I don't know if I want to put myself through that again. 2018 was horrible with my Achilles tendon, and not being able to run at my home town Commonwealth Games. That was devastating. I don't think it is fair to do that to that to myself and my body, as well."

An incredible career that Sally should look back on with immense pride.

Topics: SPORT, Entertainment, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie