Sally Pearson is raring to go for the Rio Olympics after stepping up her comeback bid from serious injury.
The reigning Olympic 100m hurdles champion returned to the starting blocks for the first time on Monday since fracturing her wrist in a nasty race fall last June in Rome.
"In previous years when I start hurdling it's a little bit rusty, a little bit shaky, but I felt really confident this time around," said Pearson on Tuesday.
"With my preparation and my rehab, it's all been geared to having really good technique, (being) really strong in the gym.
"So I think all those things put together has helped me start back in better condition than I have in previous years."
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With 109 days to go before the Rio Games begin, Pearson is optimistic of being 100 per cent fit for her title defence.
The 29-year-old is planning a low-key "unofficial first race" in about four-and-a-half weeks.
"I mean, it's not a real competition. It's sort of like a time trial more for me, simply because there's nothing else around in Australia," Pearson said.
"It's winter season coming and it's a summer sport, obviously.
"So I'll have a few unofficial first races back and then I'll head over to Europe and start my campaign towards Rio."
Pearson said she was yet to decide where her time-trial return would take place.
