Australia's Tallent gets nod as Rio track captain

Olympic champion Jared Tallent was on Tuesday appointed Australia's track and field team captain for Rio de Janeiro following Sally Pearson's withdrawal due to injury.

Tallent was belatedly awarded a 2012 London Olympics 50 km walk gold medal last month in the wake of a Russian doping case.

"I was devastated for Sally when I heard about her withdrawal from the team," he said of the Olympic hurdles champion who was initially named as the team captain before pulling out last week with a hamstring injury.

"The athletics team has seen a generational change since the last Olympics and I think the team is packed with debutants who could surprise. 

"Combine these fresh faces with the well-established and experienced athletes and I believe we are in for a great team performance."

Tallent is a three-time Olympic medallist and also boosts podium finishes at various Commonwealth Games and World Championships.

Source: AFP