IMAGE|| Damien Birkinhead Getty Images

Close to half of the Commonwealth Games Australia (CGA) athletics squad lined up at the Queensland International Track Classic in Brisbane last night.

By Tom Robertson

Athletes were decked out in the Australian uniform for the first time whilst competing against athletes from twenty-four Commonwealth countries.

Defending Commonwealth 100mH champion Sally Pearson lead out the women’s 4x100m relay team to their fastest time in nearly seven years and is determined to not let a niggling injury stand in her way at GC2018.

“Australia can rest assured I will be certainly working hard to overcome what is just another challenge in my career,” said Pearson.

In other results, long jumper Brooke Stratton produced an impressive series of jumps with a best mark of 6.88m. Damien Birkinhead edged out Glasgow 2014 shot put champion O’Dayne Richards (JAM) with a throw of 20.30m, similarly Brianna Beahan defeated 2014 silver medallist Tiffany Porter (ENG) in the women’s 100mH.

Full results can be found here: http://liveresults.qldathletics.org.au/2018/180328_QTC/index.htm

The 109-strong athletics team begins their quest for success at Gold Coast 2018 on 8 April.