Diamond League: Sally Pearson breaks wrist in Rome; unlikely for world championships

SALLY Pearson has broken her wrist in a fall at the Diamond League meet in Rome, with the injury almost certain to force her out of the world championships.

Sally Pearson shouts in pain after hitting an obstacle during the women's 100 hurdles event, at the Golden Gala IAAF athletic meeting, in Rome's Olympic stadium, Thursday, June 4, 2015. Olympic champion Sally Pearson of Australia was injured after hitting the fifth obstacle in the 100 hurdles. She was carried off on a stretcher after getting attention to her left wrist area. (Alessandro Di Meo/ANSA via AP)

AUSTRALIA’S Olympic 100m hurdles champion Sally Pearson has broken her wrist in a fall at the Diamond League meet in Rome, with the injury almost certain to force her out of August’s world athletics championships.

Pearson’s manager Robert Joske said Pearson fractured her wrist in two places and also has a dislocation.

She was to have surgery in Rome in the coming hours before returning to Australia.

Sally Pearson holds her wrist as she is carried away after crashing to the track in Rome.

Pearson crashed after touching the fifth hurdle and was left screaming in agony on the track as she clutched her injured wrist.

She was immediately rushed to hospital with one of Italy’s leading orthopaedic surgeons called into perform the complex operation.

Joske said she would remain in Rome for several days.

“She is in a lot of pain and is devastated with the outcome,” Joske said.

“We’re unsure what this means for the rest of the season, what the recovery time will be and what impact it will have on the world championships.

“Knowing Sally it will likely motivate her to get back as quickly as possible.”

Her husband Kieran, coach Ash Mahoney and agent Maurie Plant are by her side in hospital.

Sally Pearson stumbles and her season could now be over.

It would appear unlikely that Australia’s leading medal hope could defy the odds and get to the start line for the world championships which start on August 22 in Beijing.

Pearson wasn’t the only casualty in the Rome race with reigning world champion Brianna Rollins also falling while the fastest hurdler in the world this year, American Jasmin Stowers, failed to finish.

The race was won by American Sharika Nelvis who ran a personal best 12.52 (wind + 1.0).

Pearson’s fall overshadowed a second placing by fellow Australian Dani Samuels in the discus.

The 27-year-old threw 65.47m to finish just behind reigning Olympic gold medallist Sandra Perkovic of Croatia, who registered a winning distance of 67.92m.

Originally published as Diamond League: Sally Pearson breaks wrist in Rome; unlikely for world championships