Pearson likely to pull out of 100m

Peter Marshall

Pearson likely to pull out of 100m image

The Olympic champion over the barriers at the same distance, Pearson had intended to use the 100m sprint as a warm up in Glasgow, but she now appears set to focus on her favoured event in a bid to manage her fitness.

The Australian has been struggling with a hamstring injury in recent weeks and concedes that she simply does not have enough in reserve to double up.

"Right now it is probably more likely that I am going to pull out [of the 100m]," she said on Wednesday.

"I have had a few discussions with a lot of people including my coach and we are probably thinking I am not at that stage where I can do two events."

Pearson will leave a decision on her participation to the last minute ahead of Friday's deadline, but insists she will not take any risks in jeopardising her hurdles chances, as she bids to retain the title she won in Delhi four years ago.

"It's not really that disappointing, I think it would be more disappointing if I couldn't run the hurdles or if I couldn't be here at all because of my injury," the 27-year-old added.

Speaking to the press, Pearson also resisted the opportunity to criticise Athletics Australia for the decision to fine her - along with team-mates Ben Harradine and Alex Rowe - for not attending a team training camp in Gateshead prior to the Games.

However, she did admit the issue had proved an unwelcome distraction in overshadowing her preparation.

"I have to bite my tongue a little bit today," she said.  "It was disappointing, obviously, but it's out of my control now.

"I will be waiting until after the Commonwealth Games to deal with that situation. It's a distraction, and a distraction I don't want right now.

"I'm focusing everything on what I can do to win and to be in the best shape possible for next week.

"I'm trying not to think about the unfortunate things, and I'll be able to speak a bit more clearly after I race."

Peter Marshall

Peter Marshall Photo

Peter Marshall has worked in sports media for more than two decades, covering everything from boxing, F1 and tennis to the World Cup and Olympics.