UPDATE: Athletics Australia Head Coach, Craig Hilliard, has made the following comments in the wake of the withdrawal of Olympic champion, Sally Pearson, from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games due to a hamstring injury.

“This is a devastating outcome for Sally, her coach, support team and family. After what has been a difficult year of recovery following the injuries sustained in a race fall in 2015, she has worked tremendously hard to find the form and fitness again see her challenge for Olympic success,” Hilliard said.

“Clearly her body is telling her it needs a rest from the sustained mental and physical workload needed to train and compete at the highest level.

“However, I am confident that with appropriate rehabilitation and rest she can be back as strong as ever for the IAAF World Championships next year and the Commonwealth Games in her home town the Gold Coast the year after.

“We are very proud of Sally. She has delivered for Australia time and time again and as Head Coach you couldn’t ask for a more committed, determined and professional athlete.

“We have a big team, filled with plenty of talent, and I’m confident the athletes will draw inspiration from Sally’s achievements to assist in their success on what is the greatest sporting stage.”

The defending 100m hurdles champion, Sally Pearson, has been forced to withdraw from the Rio Olympics after tearing her hamstring whilst training on the Gold Coast.