Sally Pearson hands the Queen’s Baton to John Coutis. Picture: Nigel Hallett
The Australian
12:00AM April 5, 2018
World champion Sally Pearson wasn’t breaking any records on an outing on the Gold Coast yesterday, but says she will be fit to run 100m hurdles final next Friday.
Pearson took things easy when she carried the Queen’s baton in Surfers Paradise, never breaking out of a walk and even appearing to hobble a little.
Pearson, 31, the dual world 100m hurdles champion and 2012 Olympic gold medallist, is battling an achilles injury that she says will remain an issue until the race is scheduled. But she says she is a “90 per cent” chance of competing in the individual event.
“I won’t be pushing the walk, that’s for sure. I’ll be enjoying it and soaking up the atmosphere,” she said.
Pearson was mobbed at the famous stretch of Surfers Paradise sand when she took the baton.
Onlookers gawked at the face of the Gold Coast Games and cheered wildly as she passed.
A media throng wanted to know about her leg, not the relay leg. But Pearson wasn’t keen to talk about anything not strictly related to the baton. Pearson handed the baton to John Coutis, a double amputee who has excelled at several sports including table tennis and indoor cricket.
Pearson’s appearance came after she was overlooked for the role of Australia’s flag-bearer at the opening ceremony — that honour went to hockey captain Mark Knowles. But Pearson rated carrying the baton as “definitely just as good” as carrying the flag.
“It’s absolutely fantastic that the whole Surfers community can come out here and really appreciate the Queen’s baton relay,” Pearson said. “It’s nice to be out here within the community that has supported us and supports all the athletes and I’m glad I can share it with everyone here.”
Pearson last night joined her Australian teammates in following Knowles into the stadium at the opening ceremony.
“Tonight, it’s going to be something special,” she said. “And I can’t wait to be part of it with the Australian team and walking out there knowing everyone in the stadium is cheering for us.”
The baton had arrived at Surfers Paradise in spectacular fashion, with former lifesaving star Trevor Hendy bringing it to shore on a surf boat. The procession of boats came ashore where Hendy passed the baton to his son TJ.
“Trevor Hendy was one of my idols when I was growing up and I used to always watch him on TV,” Pearson said.
“To be able to be here with him and his son now is pretty exciting.”
AAP
