Sally Pearson named as first Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games ambassador

Olympic champion hurdler Sally Pearson has been named as the first official ambassador for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk made the announcement on the Gold Coast, Pearson's home city, today.

"Sally is a shining light of athletics in this country and her well-documented achievements on the track are matched only by the personal initiative she has taken in recent years to be an exceptional mentor of young talent," Ms Palaszczuk said.

Last month, Pearson was ruled out of competing in this year's Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, due to a hamstring tear. 

READ MORE: 'My heart sank': Hurdling champion Sally Pearson on the injury that has ruled her out of Rio

The 2018 Commonwealth Games will be held from April 4 to 15 on the Gold Coast, and will be the fifth Commonwealth Games hosted by Australia.

Previously, Australia hosted the Games in 1938 in Sydney, in 1962 in Perth, in 1982 in Brisbane and in 2006 in Melbourne.