Sally Pearson opens up on 7 News axing and new job

She was a high-profile casualty of the axing of Channel 7’s Gold Coast news, but the champion hurdler has landed on her feet with a new TV gig.

Former Olympic hurdles champion Sally Pearson has promised television viewers they will see a different side of her in her new role on the Sunrise breakfast show.

Pearson, who transitioned to a career in media after her retirement from competition, was one of the high-profile casualties of the shock axing of Seven’s Gold Coast news bulletin last year, but she refused to give up on the industry and has now landed a new gig with the network’s flagship breakfast program.

For now, the job will be part-time, presenting weekly segments from Gold Coast events, but speaking to The Sunday Mail, she said she was keen to see where it leads and promised viewers they would get to see “the real Sally Pearson”.

Sally Pearson is excited about her new television gig after the demise of 7 Gold Coast News. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“It’s a relief and it’s exciting because it’s national TV and I always wanted to do something in the TV world that I could bring my personality out a bit more,” she said.

“Everyone has seen me as the athlete, really focused, tunnel vision sort of person … and they haven’t seen the other side of me and that’s Sally Pearson the person.

“I’ve been around the sporting industry for a long time and there was a lot of smack talk with people on the track or just having a bit of fun with your training partners and I can have a bit of fun with that now through this sort of adlib live TV with the hosts Nat (Natalie Barr) and Shirvo (Matt Shirvington).”

Pearson said she “cried my eyes out”after Channel 7’s Gold Coast news service was axed, but was determined not to give up on her new career.

Sally Pearson pictured with her pooch Max enjoy a trip to the beach on the Gold Coast. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“I knew that it was going to be tough and I certainly didn’t think it was going to be easy to find another job afterwards (Seven Gold Coast) so me and my manager went knocking on doors and asking people and putting our names out there for jobs,” she said.

“I’m a person that won’t give up and I’ll keep hassling you until you tell me to piss off.”

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Originally published as Sally Pearson opens up on 7 News axing and new job