Pearson to launch 100m hurdles campaign

Sally Pearson has announced she will launch her campaign to reclaim the 100m hurdles world title at Saturday's Queensland Track Classic in Brisbane.

Sally Pearson celebrates after winning gold in the 100m Hurdles

Sally Pearson will launch her campaign to reclaim the 100m hurdles world title in Brisbane. (AAP)

There's no place like home for Sally Pearson.

The Olympic champion has announced she will launch her campaign to reclaim the 100m hurdles world title in her own backyard.

In a major coup for Saturday's Queensland Track Classic, Gold Coast girl Pearson is locked in to contest her pet event for the first time since last September's IAAF Diamond League final at the Brisbane showcase.

Pearson's focus is snatching the 100m hurdles crown back from American Brianna Rollins at the world titles in Beijing in August.

And Pearson believes the sky is the limit under new coach Ash Mahoney after a promising start to the national track and field circuit.

Pearson improved her 200m personal best to 22.97 seconds and edged out national record holder Melissa Breen to win the 100m crown at the recent Canberra Track Classic.

It was enough for Pearson to post world titles qualifiers for Beijing in both the 100m and 200m events.

Now Pearson wants to show what she can do in the 100m hurdles.

"Canberra was a great start for me, although, it wasn't a surprise as we have been working really well in training," Pearson said.

"My coach Ash and I knew what I could run there so it was nice to see it come to fruition.

"We are looking for fast times (in Brisbane).

"I haven't spoken to Ash about anything specific for Brisbane, I never really like to do that.

"My focus is on speed, speed endurance and strength."

Brisbane will be a key launching pad for Pearson in what looms as a landmark year for the Queensland athlete.

Her "to do" list includes reigning supreme in the 100m hurdles at the IAAF Diamond League, the world championships and the indoor world titles.

Oh, and she also wants to secure a place in the 2016 Rio Olympics team.

"We are really happy with where we are at for the Australian season," Pearson said.

"I am hoping to maintain my form that I have at the moment right through to the European (Diamond League) season.

"I always look forward to heading over to Europe.

"I love racing against the best hurdlers in the world, it always brings the best out of me."

The 11-time national champion is based on the Gold Coast under Mahoney's guidance.

"It's a great set-up that I am enjoying very much," Pearson said.

Lining up alongside 28-year-old Pearson in Brisbane will be WA's Breanna Beahan and fellow Glasgow Commonwealth Games finalist "Jiggling" Michelle Jenneke of NSW.

Jenneke is 0.04 seconds away from a 100m hurdles world titles qualifier.


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Source: AAP


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