On Tuesday morning, less than a year out from the 2020 Tokyo Games, Pearson declared multiple injuries have pushed her to make the decision.
The 32-year-old has suffered from multiple ongoing injuries over recent years and in a video posted to Instagram on Tuesday morning, Pearson noted that her body was no longer able to handle the immense pressure of training at a professional level.
“I am here to let you all know that I have decided to retire from my sport of athletics,” Pearson said.
“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 have prided myself on always being on the start line ready to win. I no longer believe I can achieve this,” Pearson said.
“It is therefore with much regret that I have come to the conclusion that it is time to retire from this phase of my life and move on to the next.”
“When you count six injuries this year that no one knows about and another whole year to go of training for the Olympics to try and win gold, I have major doubts that my body will make it,” the athlete told Sunrise this morning.
Throughout her stellar career in athletics, Pearson won multiple medals and became an Olympic world record holder.
In 2012, Pearson won gold and set an Olympic record in the 100 metres hurdles at the London Olympic Games. Four years earlier, she won silver in Beijing. Pearson also has two Commonwealth Games gold medals under her belt and has won two world championships. She is a 16-time Australian champion, in the 100m, 200m and 100m hurdles.
“Sally is an Australian champion. She has been a great ambassador for the sport for a long time and has had an outstanding career, with many highlights. This is the start of a new chapter in Sally’s life and we wish her all the best,” Athletics Australia CEO Gocher said.
“Sally has inspired a new generation of athletes and the future looks bright for the sport,” he added.