Pearson pushing to get back to best

World champion hurdler Sally Pearson has been working hard to get back to her best. Source: Luke Marsden / News Corp Australia

OLYMPIC champion Sally Pearson is breaking new ground, and equipment, in her bid to again be the world's fastest hurdler.

Barely six months after frail hamstrings almost ruined her Commonwealth title defence, the little Queenslander is achieving feats in the gym she never thought possible.

They include unleashing the explosive energy in her powerful glutes to snap the cable on the hip extension machine during a weights session last week.

"I'm really healthy, and running the fastest I've ever run (in training)," Pearson said while signing autographs at the Little Athletics State Relay Championships in Brisbane.

"I can't wait to see what I can run this season."

World champion hurdler Sally Pearson says she running faster than ever in training. Source: News Corp Australia

The Olympic and Commonwealth 100m hurdles gold medallist can no longer claim to be world no. 1 after being toppled by American Brianna Rollins in 2013.

But there is realistic hope she can return to the top.

For the first time in years her back and hamstrings can withstand squats, an exercise in which she has improved her personal best lift by more than 30 per cent.

Injury free and happy, Pearson and new coach Ash Mahoney are 13 weeks into a new partnership which began after the resignation of former mentor and training partner Antony Drinkwater-Newman.

Sally Pearson is confident she has the strength to get back to the top. Source: AP

In his first interview since taking the job, Mahoney said he was inspired and deeply motivated by the challenge of guiding Pearson towards the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

A coach, podiatrist and expert in lower limb injuries, Mahoney has been a consultant to the hurdler since she stormed into the national team more than a decade ago.

The father of two and former hurdler is a track and field junky who is in awe of his athlete's professionalism and ability to will herself beyond the point of exhaustion.

Every week he gains a close-up view of the 28-year-old as she endures lactic acid levels that would floor mere mortals, only to haul herself off the ground for one more set.

"You'd expect that from an Olympic champion," Mahoney said.

"But witnessing that day after day after day, that's one of the great things that's struck me — her dedication to do the hard yards."

Sally Pearson is injury free and pushing to get abck to her best. Source: News Corp Australia

Mahoney expects the 2016 Olympic title to be won in under 12.3secs.

Pearson has not been in that shape since clocking 12.28 in her world titles final win in 2011.

She boasts an impeccable technique but will use the next 18 months to build a bigger engine and fly even faster between the hurdles.

"She's certainly getting stronger," Mahoney said.

"We're trying to build her capacity to improve in every element so that she can train harder.

"Ultimately it's a game of physics. Every action has an equal and opposite reaction

"So if you can develop the ability to better apply that force, it augurs well for Sally."

Pearson will focus on the 100m and 200m this domestic season when her bullet-paced rivalry with national 100m record holder Melissa Breen is expected to intensify.

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