Pearson, who won the world 100 metre hurdles title in Daegu this year in 12.28sec, the fastest time recorded in almost 20 years, had dominated her opposition all year although a fall in Brussels in her last race of the season meant she failed to secure the Diamond Race trophy.

But despite the minor setback, the 25-year-old from the Gold Coast managed to secure arguably the biggest award in the sport as she held off stiff opposition from world 5,000m and 10,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot and New Zealand's world shot put champion Valerie Adams.

It marked a spectacular double sporting triumph for the Gold Coast as the city was awarded the 2018 Commonwealth Games ahead of sole rivals Hambantota of Sri Lanka at the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) General Assembly in St Kitts and Nevis and Bligh has hailed both achievements.

"This [was] a golden weekend for the Gold Coast, hot on the heels of winning the Commonwealth Games, one of their own golden girls wins another international honour," said the Premier, who attended the CGF General Assembly in person and was one of the  key players in helping the city cross the line ahead of Hambantota.

"Sally is one of Queensland's finest and we can all be very proud of her.

"She has had a stellar year on the track, overcoming pressure to not only break the Australian record, but also win her maiden World Championship title in the women's 100m hurdles.

"Sally is a great role model and some of the gold medal winners in 2018 may well have her to thank for inspiring their career.

"I got goosebumps watching Sally win the World Championships.

"She certainly deserves this honour."


Pearson, the reigning Commonwealth Games 100m hurdles champion, won silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics behind American Dawn Harper but after a stunning improvement, the Australian has placed herself as firm favourite to win gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

Pearson admitted that she was "surprised" to pick up the award in a tough category but happily accepted the trophy at the IAAF Gala in Monaco where Jamaican sprint icon Usain Bolt picked up the male award after winning two World Championship gold medals.

"Congratulations must go to Sally herself as well as her support team including Sharon and Peter Hannan, the sport science staff at the Queensland Academy of Sport and all of those people who cheered for her back here at home," said Queensland's Sport Minister Phil Reeves.

"Going undefeated at the World Championships and producing a final performance that was the fourth fastest in history and the fastest in the women's 100m hurdles in 20 years is just phenomenal.

"Sally is definitely going to be the one to watch in the lead up to the London 2012 Olympic Games and the award is testament to her talent, willpower, mental toughness, speed and high precision technique, as well as outstanding coaching."

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