AUSTRALIAN track queen Sally Pearson OAM has been announced as the first official ambassador of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games (GC2018).

The announcement was made by Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk MP at the GC2018 Countdown Clock in Surfers Paradise today (Tuesday).

One of Australia’s greatest sports stars, the Olympic and dual Commonwealth Games hurdles gold medallist resides on the Gold Coast and has had a close association with GC2018 since the successful bid in 2011 and played a starring role in the flag handover during the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony.

Pearson, the first in a select group of high profile figures to be named as a GC2018 ambassador, said she was excited to play a role in promoting the 2018 Games.

“I’m thrilled to have officially joined the Gold Coast 2018 family to help get people all over the world as excited as I am about this magnificent event,” she said.

“The Commonwealth Games is an amazing experience for athletes and spectators, and in 2018 it will be the Gold Coast, my home town, showcased to the world.”

Pearson, who was forced to withdraw from the 2016 Rio Olympics through injury, said she would now focus on her ambassador role and preparing to compete at GC2018.

“Winning Olympic gold at the London 2012 Olympic Games was a special moment, missing Rio is definitely one of those low points, but I’m focused on giving myself the best opportunity to compete at a home games,” she said.

“As an official ambassador, I now have the added personal interest in helping to ensure GC2018 is the massive success I already know it will be.”

She said GC2018 provided a wonderful opportunity to help usher in a new generation of young athletes.

Pearson was presented with a commemorative surfboard at today’s announcement, which was also attended by Commonwealth Games Minister Stirling Hinchcliffe MP, GOLDOC Chairman Peter Beattie AC and CEO Mark Peters, Gold Coast acting Mayor Donna Gates and a large contingent of young athletes.