Sally Pearson’s resilience was recognised on Thursday night when she was crowned the most inspirational Australian athlete of the past 12 months.
Pearson claimed her second ‘The Don’ award at the 30th Sports Australia Hall of Fame dinner in Melbourne, a coveted prize named in honour of the organisation’s inaugural inductee Sir Donald Bradman.
The hurdler edged a talented shortlist of sport stars that included Formula One driver Daniel Ricciardo, tennis tyro Nick Kyrgios and fearsome fast bowler Mitchell Johnson.
Tennis great John Newcombe received the greatest accolade at the sold-out ceremony, becoming the 36th legend of Australian sport.
Newcombe won seven grand slam singles titles and five Davis Cups from 1964-73.
The mustachioed marvel was later named Davis Cup captain, helping Australia to a memorable 3-2 win over France in the 1999 final.
In 2012 it was Pearson’s gold medal at the London Olympics that led to her winning The Don.
This year it was all about the metaphorical obstacles the 28-year-old cleared to defend her Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles title in Glasgow.
Pearson recovered from a recurring hamstring injury to compete in Glasgow, then withstood withering criticism from Australia’s athletics coach Eric Hollingsworth on the eve of her event.
“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.
“She overcame not just the other competition, battling injury and a less than ideal preparation.
“The way she rose to overcome the high-profile clash from within the sport tested her both physically and emotionally.”
De Castella went on to praise Pearson’s “incredible strength, professionalism and character”.
Pearson became only the second athlete to win The Don for a second time, joining Beijing Olympics golden boy Steve Hooker (2008 and 2009).
Meanwhile, sports scientist Dick Telford, swimming coach Dennis Cotterell and six athletes were inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The beach volleyball duo of Natalie Cook and Kerri Pottharst, swimmer Jodie Henry, triathlete Michellie Jones, alpine skier Michael Milton and Test captain turned cricket commentator Bill Lawry were also inducted at Crown Palladium.
Tributes were paid to Australia’s 1999 world champion netball team and 1965 world champion softball team.
In a photo finish, Torrie Lewis beat the 100m world champion Sha'Carri Richardson in the 200m Diamond League event and was over the moon.
Olympic swimming legend and Australian Sports Commission boss Kieren Perkins has warned that "someone will die" if a multi-sport event that allows athletes to…
Peter Bol will return to racing in Australia next weekend for the first time since his provisional doping ban was lifted. Bol will race…
The South African former Paralympic star has been granted parole effective from January 5
Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum has shattered the men's marathon world record, winning in two hours, 35 seconds in Chicago to beat compatriot Eliud Kipchoge's previous mark by…
With Budapest 2023 run and won, the world's best now turn their attention to the Diamond League final in mid-September as they prepare themselves…
