Australia’s world champion hurdler Sally Pearson said her Olympic rivals should be fearful after running a sizzling time at the Melbourne Track Classic on Saturday. Pearson won the 100-metre hurdles in 12.49secs — the fourth-fastest time of her career and the quickest in Australia — to send her rivals a warning in the countdown to the London Olympics. Former world championships bronze medallist Craig Mottram was the other star of the night, as he won the men’s 5000m in style to secure a place in the Australian Olympic team. Pearson was thrilled with her time in the wet conditions. “Holy crap! I don’t know what to say. It’s just really fantastic and really exciting,” said Pearson, who finished well clear of American Yvette Lewis (13.22). “At the same time I’ve got to keep grounded, I’ve got to focus on the London Olympics — that’s still a long way away and a lot more training to go. “I know I’m in good shape and I’m loving it and I’ve just got to look after myself — that’s all I can do.” Pearson had hoped to run under 23secs in the 200m later in the evening, but again finished just short in 23.02secs. But she said her hurdles rivals ought to be concerned by her great form in her pet event five months out from the Olympics. “They’d be worried, but at the same time there’s nothing I can do about that,” she said. Mottram, one of the world’s best middle-distance runners in his prime, turned back the clock after years of setbacks and earned a standing ovation by winning in 13:18.58. Mottram ran a lap of honour after surging clear of Collis Birmingham (13:22.30) with about 250m remaining. “I’m a passionate athlete, I always have been and I’ve always been excited when I’ve run well. Tonight I ran well, so why not? It’s been a long time coming.
