Sally Pearson has been promoted to captain Australia's 46-strong team at the world athletics championships in Moscow and she's determined to help them enjoy the big stage.
Olympic and world 100m hurdles champion Pearson's appointment was announced on the opening day of a camp in Tonbridge, England, ahead of the world titles starting next week.
She replaces Steve Hooker who has not competed since the London Olympics, taking time out having split with his coach and moved to live and train in Phoenix, Arizona.
Head coach Eric Hollingsworth also appointed eight-time national javelin champion Kim Mickle as the squad's first-ever vice-captain, providing an all-female leadership duo.
"I am so excited to be offered this opportunity," said Pearson.
"This is a really good team to captain for the first time.
"There are a lot of debutants and it is very rewarding to be given the chance to get to know them and help them wherever I can.
"Sometimes we as athletes get caught up in the moment, stressed by the occasion and we miss the outstanding opportunity that it actually is.
"I want the new athletes, and the old ones as well, to remember how lucky they are to be in this situation and to enjoy it."
Mickle relished the chance assist Pearson.
"Who better to share this mantle with than with Sally. She is the biggest legend I know and an unbelievable athlete," Mickle said.
"I can't wait to work together with her getting to know everyone and becoming a family. We are double trouble I suppose."
The team will remain in camp until August 6, before travelling to Moscow for the August 10-18 event.
