A fall at the seventh hurdle at the Van Damme Memorial in Brussels has ended Sally Pearson’s winning streak in the 100m hurdles and cost the world champion victory in the Diamond Race.
Pearson clipped the sixth hurdle before stumbling at the seventh. World championships silver medallist Danielle Carruthers took victory in 12.65 seconds to secure the $10,000 winners cheque for the race and the $40,000 prize and diamond trophy for winning the Diamond Race.
“This result would be a disappointing for Sally but her year has still been superimpressive and a credit to her hard work and dedication,” Eric Hollingsworth, Athletics Australia High Performance Manager, said.
“She’s the world leader, holds a new championship, Australian and Oceania record, was unbeaten across the Australian domestic season and in Daegu she delivered a perfect performance to become the world champion.”
Pearson arrives home on Monday morning, shortly after US Open champion Sam Stosur. Both world beaters went to the same high school, and will both be presented with a key to the city by Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke, who will be joined at a civic reception by Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh.
In other events Collis Birmginham trailed home ninth in the 5000m in 13:34.08 on a night which highlights were world leading times of 19.26 second in the 200m from 100m world champion Yohan Blake, 9.76 seconds in the 100m by Usain Bolt and a 26:43.16 in the 10000m from Kenenisa Bekele.
Photo by Chris Lew
