byLarry EderSally Pearson started hurdling at the age of 15. In her first final, she fell. She got up, dusted herself off, and continued to pursue the hurdles.
Since then, she has turned the 100 meter hurdles around, and after her run in AREVA Paris, many are suggesting a, dare we say, world record? That does not matter to Pearson, my guess is that she has her eyes set on the gold medal in London in August 2012….
Sally Pearson is the consumate hurdler. One also needs to know that Sally Pearson is also quite a fast sprinter.
In the AREVA race, Sally Pearson got out, but had company, in the likes of Virginia Crawford of the US. Ginny ran hurdle for hurdle with Pearson until the fifth hurdle, which Pearson hit hard. Not missing a beat, Sally Pearson stayed with Crawford through hurdle six, where the Aussie kicked on hyperspeed and just went into hyper space, hurdling the last three hurdles supremely, running a fine 12.40, the world leader. She hit a hurdle and still ran 12.40!
Ginny Crawford of the US ran 12.59, a seasonal best, as Tiffany Porter of the UK took third in 12.74.
Read carefully what Sally told the media after the race; ” I was expecting a fast time and if I would have a clear race, it could be a 12.3. I am excited to see my shape. I hit hard I think, the first hurdle, but that kept me motivated to fight. I want to win the gold, but I can not guarantee it. One more race in London remains.” noted Sally Pearson.
Sally Pearson may be the best 100 meter hurdler in the world. She also knows that, in this sport, anything can happen. That may be her best skill, her realistic approach to the sport.
Now, one to London…..
Sally Pearson, 2012 World Indoors, Istanbul, photo by PhotoRun.net
