Olympic hurdles champion Pearson splits with coach

Sally Pearson (L) of Australia is congratulated by her coach, Sharon Hannan, after the women's 100 metres hurdles final at the IAAF World Athletics Championships in Daegu September 3, 2011. REUTERS/Mark Blinch

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Australia's Olympic hurdles champion Sally Pearson has split with her coach Sharon Hannan after 14 years, citing a need for a fresh start.

The 27-year-old Pearson, who won 100 metres hurdles gold at the London Games, was runner-up to American Brianna Rollins at this year's world championships in Moscow in defence of her 2011 title.