Pearson wins in Zurich

The IAAF Diamond League Final in Zurich (SUI) has delivered for Team Australia, with Sally Pearson (Qld) leading the green and gold results with her victory in the women’s 100m hurdles.

Stopping the clock at 12.55 (w: -0.3), a mere 0.08 second outside her season best, Pearson’s victory was confirmed by the photo finish judges after she and the second placed Sharika Nelvis (USA) crossed together in a tight finish. Christina Manning (USA) was third in 12.67.

It has been an extraordinary month for Pearson. The 30-year-old stole the show at the IAAF World Championships earlier this month to win gold after returning for what could have been a career-ending injury.

The Diamond League win caps off a stunning 2017, with the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games in her home town now on the horizon.

“This is my first time as Diamond League champion. I am really excited. It was tough, this race was competitive and fast. I almost fell over I wanted it so badly. I had to work really hard for it,” Pearson said.

“I am so proud of what I achieved this year, coming back and what not. It has been an amazing year. As long as I believe in what I can do, everything is OK. The others do not know who Sally Pearson is. Tonight, I am world champion and Diamond League champion.”

Not to be outdone were Kelsey-Lee Roberts (ACT) and Kurtis Marschall (SA), as both delivered personal best performances to close out their 2017 competition calendars.

Throwing 64.53m with her sixth and final throw, Roberts’ result saw her place second in the women’s javelin behind world champion Barbora Spotakova (CZE, 65.54m).

It ensures that she has delivered on both her targets for 2017 – a start in the women’s javelin at the IAAF World Championships and a personal best to end the year.

Marschall took to the runway for the men’s pole vault, matching his best ever performance with a 5.73m leap.

The result continues an impressive year for the 20-year-old that includes personal best leaps both domestically and abroad and a top-eight finish in the pole vault at London 2017.

Fabrice Lapierre (NSW) rounded out the Australians in action, jumping 7.94m to place fifth in the men’s long jump.

To view and download results from the IAAF Diamond League Final in Zurich, please click here.