Olympic gold medallist Sally Pearson has announced her retirement, less than a year out from the Tokyo Olympics.

The 32-year-old hurdles champion made the decision after suffering persistent injuries throughout the past year.

“It has been a long 16 years, but also a fun and exciting 16 years,” Pearson says.

“My body has decided it is time to let it go, and move forward onto a new direction.”

Pearson reached the pinnacle of Athletics, winning Olympic gold and silver medals, two World Championships, two Commonwealth Games gold medals, the Olympic and World Championships records, IAAF Female Athlete of the Year and 14 Australian titles in the 100m, 200m and 100m Hurdles.

Alan Jones has long been involved in athletics and says Pearson is “as good as this country has ever, ever produced” and belongs “right up there” with the best athletes in Australian history.

He spoke to the champion athlete moments after she announced her retirement.

“When I’ve had six injuries this year, that no one really knew about, I think it’s time to hang up the spikes.

“It wasn’t so much hard because I felt like it had been coming all year but it was very emotional because this is what I do, this is my passion and it’s what I love.

“For my body to take that away from me, it’s hard to take. But at the same time, I feel it’s the right decision and I’m happy with it.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

Of Sally Pearson’s many achievements, none will be remembered more than her thrilling victory at the London 2012 Games.

The Australian beat rival Dawn Harper by just .02 of a second, reversing the result of the Beijing Olympics.

Alan Jones played Ray Hadley’s call of the victory to Pearson, who said it gave her “goosebumps”.

“It makes me want to go run again. I’ve got goosebumps all over my body right now.”

Click PLAY below to hear the spine-tingling commentary

Image: Getty/Mark Metcalfe