contender to defend her gold medal title she won at the London 2012 Olympics. However, during a hard training session Pearson slightly tore her hamstring forcing her out of the Rio 2016 games. 2017 World championships Pearson won the gold medal in the 100 metres hurdles at the 2017 World Championships in London with a time of 12.59. 2018 Commonwealth Games Pearson was to compete in the 100 metre hurdles and 4x100 relay but later withdrew due to an Achilles tendon injury. Retirement On 5 August 2019, Pearson announced her retirement from competitive athletics, stating that she did not believe that she would be ready for the 2020 Olympic Games. Pearson stated: "It has been a long 16 years, but also a fun and exciting 16 years. My body has decided it is time to let it go, and move forward onto a new direction." She is the eighth fastest 100m hurdles sprinter in history. Recognition 2008/2009 – Athletics Australia Female Athlete of the Year. 2011 – Female Athlete of the Year. She is the first Australian to receive this award. Pearson also received prizemoney of 98,800($US76,117). 2011 – "Key to the City of Gold Coast". 2012 – Athletics Australia Female Athlete of the Year. 2012 – Sport Australia Hall of Fame The Don Award 2012 – Queensland Sports Star of the Year. 2013 – National Finalist Young Australian of the Year 2014 – Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to sport as a gold medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games. 2014 – Sport Australia Hall of Fame The Don Award. 2014 – Women's Health Sports Woman 2017 – Australian Institute of Sport Female Athlete of the Year 2017 – Athletics Australia Female Athlete of the Year. 2018 – Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games final Queens Baton Relay runner Personal life Pearson was raised by her single mother Anne, who worked two jobs to make enough money to support her daughter's athletic career. In late 2008 she became engaged to Kieran Pearson, the pair having been together since their senior year at Helensvale State High School on Queensland's Gold Coast. In April 2010 they married on the Gold Coast, and had their honeymoon in Los Angeles and Hawaii. Achievements Personal bests 100 metres – 11.14 secs (2007) 200 metres – 22.97 secs (2015) 100 metres hurdles – 12.28 secs (2011) (eighth fastest time in history) Records