“I am very proud”: Sally Pearson speaks on being inducted into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame

Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson will be entered into the Australian Sporting Hall of Fame after a highly decorated hurdling career.

Pearson retired in 2019 with an Olympic gold medal, a silver medal and two world championship titles, admitting her induction sparked a whirlwind of emotions.

“I’ve only been retired for 5 years. I kind of still feel like I’m an athlete,” Pearson told SEN’s Whateley.

“First and foremost, I am very proud, but this is really final now. I really am retired.

“I think my lifetime of doing this sport is really coming to an end. It’s a beautiful career I had, and I can look back on it with fond memories and be proud of the work I have done.

“I’ve had the chance over the last five years after retiring to reflect on how good my career was.

“Being honoured in this way is beautiful and nice and makes me feel good.

“My career started before I was 10. These visions of seeing yourself at the Olympics or on top of the podium. To have that all come true is pretty special.”

The 2012 Olympic champion also reminisced on her gold medal and all the hard work in between, mentioning getting to the top requires one thing.

“It’s about consistency. To be the best in the world you must have consistency. You must look after your mental and physical wellbeing too,” Pearson said.

“From Beijing to London, to be able to peak at major championships in between the Olympic cycle was huge for me.

“The gold medal is special. If people are touching and holding it and it’s getting worn and people are admiring it, it means it’s been loved and well used.

“I think that’s what an Olympic medal should be. You do it for your country and you’re running for Australia. It’s for people to feel like they can be a part of it.”

The Australian Sporting Hall of Fame gala will be held on November 18, 2024.