Aussie sports star Sally Pearson has revealed she’s hanging up her spikes for good and retiring from her successful athletics career.
The 32-year-old took to social media on Tuesday morning to share the news explaining it is time for her to move on from hurdling and onto the next adventure.
“My next hurdle,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a video of herself breaking the news.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0zEAUEjAEf/
“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.”
She continued my explaining that while she still loves her sport and competing, sadly her body has decided it’s time to move on in a new direction with several injuries over the years adding to her decision.
“It has come to the point where I believe my body won’t be able to cope with the demands and intensity of competition,” Pearson explained.
“For me to be at the best that I believe I should be to be able to bring home more world championships and more Olympic gold medals for you all. As you know I’m a very competitive athlete, I’m a perfectionist as well I don’t think I’ll be able to deliver at that high demand that I demand of myself.”
The talented Aussie also thanked those who have supported her over the years, explaining how much it meant to have so many people on her side, cheering her on as she competed across the world.
From her friends and family, to her sponsors, the media and her fans, Pearson said she could not have gotten through the highs and lows of elite sport without everyone there beside her.
“You all know how tough it’s been for me over the few years with ongoing injuries with hamstrings and achilles and we all know they’re not fun,” she went on.
“So I’d like to thank you for your support and hopefully your ongoing support through the next phase of my life and career. It’s going to be an exciting one. I feel happy in this decision that I’ve made, I’ve got two Olympic medals, one of them being gold, two world championship gold medals as well as a silver medal, two Commonwealth Games medals, gold medals and a bronze medal from a relay from my very first one in 2006.
“I’ve also got two world indoor medals, one of them being gold as well. So I have had a very successful career. One that I can be most proud of and leaving my sport happy, still loving my sport, still loving the training, still loving competing, but my body has decided that it’s time to let it go and move on in a new direction. So again, thank you for your continued support and I’ll see you around.”
Fans were quick to comment with many leaving messages of support for Pearson as the steps into the next phase of her life.
“Thank you for being an inspiration and amazing role model,” one person wrote on Instagram. “All the best with the next chapter.”
Another added: “Sally, from the time I met you as that young 16 year old on our team 16 years ago, through to now, you have been a wonderful ambassador for our sport and country. You are one of our best track and field athletes ever, your fierce competitiveness on the track was respected and your humility and grace off the track was admired!”
While a third said: “Sally you have been an inspiration to all Australians and particularly young female athletes like my own daughters who love hurdles in part because of you. We will miss you representing Australia on the world stage!”