Sally Pearson completed the perfect comeback story, storming to victory in the women’s 100m Hurdles ahead of pre-championship favourite, Kendra Harrison, who did not get on the podium in London.
The Australian has displayed grit and determination all through the rounds, cleanly taking the barriers in the final as she came through to win with a time of 12.59s.
USA’s Dawn Harper-Nelson at the age of 33, got the Silver with a Season’s Best (SB) of 12.63s, while Germany’s Pamela Dutkiewicz completed the podium placements with a time of 12.72s.
For World Record (WR) holder Harrison, it was a race to forget, having narrowly made the final as one of the fastest losers. She finished 4th with a time of 12.74s.
Pearson who was still in shock after the win said: “I’ve worked so hard, I don’t know what has just happened out there. I’m so tired but I’m sure it will sink in soon.”
“It’s been a long journey back from injury, but to get this moment and go and celebrate in front of my family is unreal. My husband is in the crowd there somewhere, I’ll try and find him and give him a hug soon. This is just so incredible to be a world champion again,” Pearson added.
Harrison on not winning the final despite being many people’s favourite said: “I’m still young – this was my first world final. People forget that because I’m the world record holder. They expect me to be winning all the time but I’m pleased to be in my first world final and have learned a lot.
“I’ve run so well here in the past but I’ve just got to leave that in the past. I can’t dwell on it. I have so much potential, so I can’t get too upset about one performance. I got a world record in this stadium so early in my career so I know I will come back stronger” the American added.
