Sally Pearson has a simple wish for 2015: fewer hurdles.
Pearson overcame a hamstring injury and public criticism from Australia's head athletics coach Eric Hollingsworth to defend her Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles title in Glasgow.
The 28-year-old is hoping to take a far less stressful path to next year's world championships in Beijing and the 2016 Olympics in Rio.
"Next year's all about trying to stay healthy," Pearson said after accepting 'The Don' award at the 30th Sports Australia Hall of Fame (SAHOF) dinner in Melbourne.
"There's no downtime allowed between now and 2016."
Pearson was crowned the most inspirational Australian athlete of the past 12 months, taking home the coveted prize named in honour of inaugural SAHOF inductee Sir Donald Bradman.
She won the same award in 2012 for winning gold at the London Olympics.
"I can't really compare the two. They're both special in their own way," Pearson said.
"I couldn't even believe I was nominated this time.
"I've had an up-and-down year and all I was thinking about was how to get better for next year and 2016."
It was Pearson's resilience that won over judges, who compiled a shortlist that also featured Mitchell Johnson's marvellous Ashes campaign and Nick Kyrgios' unbelievable Wimbledon win.
"The measure of a champion is not how they deal with success, but how they deal with adversity," selection committee chair Robert de Castella said of Pearson.
Pearson suggested the gong made her reflect more on a "tough two months" that preceded the 100m hurdles final in Glasgow.
"I tore my hamstring ... then all the other controversy happened," she said of the coach's dismissal.
"The stuff that I had to deal with was disappointing, frustrating and obviously at the end very exciting."
Pearson is determined to win back the world title she relinquished in 2013, but added it wasn't the only form of motivation.
"Just to see how fast I can run," she said.
"There's always that thing in the back of my head when I cross the finish line and see the time.
"I (think that I) could have just fixed that little bit here or there ... I'd like to work on those one-percenters to get there."
Aside from Rio, the carrot of competing at a major event on the Gold Coast also looms large.
"Walking out at your true hometown at a Commonwealth Games - I don't think there would be anything more special," Pearson said.
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