The 32-year-old track athlete and champion hurdlist suffered a hamstring injury in July which proved the final straw, with Pearson confirming the retirement on her Instagram account.

The decision comes as a shock to the athletics world, with Pearson expected to be a key promoter in Australia's lead up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

The two-time Commonwealth Games gold-medal winner previously noted that she may be interested in moving into coaching.

“I am here to let you all know that I have decided to retire from my sport of athletics,” she posted.

“It has been a long 16 years, but also a fun and exciting 16 years. My body has decided it is time to let it go, and move forward onto a new direction.”