Olympic 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson has parted ways with her longtime coach Sharon Hannan.
The 14-year partnership had been one of the most enduring ones in Australian sport, culminating in Pearson’s gold-medal triumphs at the 2011 world athletics championships and the 2012 London Olympics.
Under Hannan’s guidance, Pearson also bounced back from two serious hamstring injuries to claim the 100m hurdles silver medal at this year’s world titles in Moscow behind flying American Brianna Rollins.
“The time is right for us to go our separate ways,” Pearson said in a statement.
“Sharon has made me into a champion but I feel that to move to another level I need to freshen up my approach to training, develop fresh ideas and incorporate new challenges into the way I do business.
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“My competitors are always striving to make themselves better and I must do the same.
“Sharon is an amazing coach and I will continue to attribute my success to her.”
Pearson will meet with Athletics Australia head coach Eric Hollingsworth before making any announcement on who will replace Hannan as her coach.
Hannan admitted she was disappointed that the 27-year-old Pearson had decided to end their professional relationship.
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“Yes I am disappointed, but Sally and I discussed the options and she believes this is best for her,” said Hannan.
“We had some amazing performances.
“We have conquered the world and I wish her every success for the future and hope that she continues to conquer the world.”
The Pearson-Hannan successes;
* 2012 Olympic gold medal
* 2011 world championships gold medal
* 2008 Olympic silver medal
* 2013 world championships silver medal
* 2011 world indoor championships gold medal
* 2010 Commonwealth gold medal
* Personal best of 12.28 seconds set in 2011 places Pearson fifth on the all-time list
