Olympic 100 metres hurdles champion Sally Pearson has clocked an impressive 12.75 seconds in a time trial in her first run-out since shattering her wrist in a fall at a Diamond League meeting last June.

The 29-year-old Australian feared her lower left arm might have to be amputated after the injury in Rome and an Achilles problem further hampered her preparations for her title defence at the Rio Games.

Racing at a local meet on the Gold Coast last weekend, Pearson produced a time that, while well short of her personal best (12.28), would have been just outside the top 10 recorded in the world this year.

“First time over 10 flights of hurdles in a time trial, I’m happy to announce that I ran 12.75,” she posted on Facebook.

“I’m so excited to get the first race out of the way and keep moving forward to Rio. Thanks to everyone who has been on the journey with me. After a long 11 months we got there.”

Pearson will make an official return to competition at the Diamond League meeting in Birmingham on June 5 as part of a busy schedule before her third Olympics in Brazil.

American Kendra Harrison has clocked the three best times of the year in the high hurdles with the 12.36 she ran in April topping the list.

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