Sally Pearson has admitted that it was a feeling of "utter relief" as she crossed the finish line to defend her 100m hurdles title at the Commonwealth Games on Friday night.
The Australian's build-up was disrupted when the nation's head coach Eric Hollingsworth was suspended for criticising the 27-year-old, but she insists that the controversy was not on her mind ahead of the final.
"He lost his job for what he said in the papers trying to justify himself, but I only did this for myself and the people who are supporting me," Pearson told BBC Sport.
"It is disappointing that my races finish in utter relief rather than happiness. To not hear my heart beat anymore is a really nice feeling. It is such a proud moment for myself, and I had issues to deal with."
England's Tiffany Porter claimed silver behind Pearson.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
