Record-breaking Aussies rebound from Pearson pull-out

Australia smashed world records in swimming and cycling on day one of the Commonwealth Games as they rebounded quickly from hurdler Sally Pearson's shock pull-out on Thursday.

Poster-girl Pearson's withdrawal with an Achilles problem made for a gloomy start to competition but it gave way to a triumphant evening for the hosts.

Australia's three gold medals at the Anna Meares Velodrome included a world record in the men's 4,000m team pursuit as they stamped their authority on the cycling competition.

It was only a slightly less fruitful night for the Aussies in the pool, where they won two golds including a new world mark in the 4x100m women's freestyle relay.

Olympic champion Mack Horton won the men's 400m freestyle although Canada's Taylor Ruck pipped two Aussies -- fellow 17-year-old Ariarne Titmus, and Emma McKeon -- in the women's 200m free.

Australia's Pearson, the 100m hurdles world champion and a Gold Coast resident, earlier said she was in tears when she realised she had to withdraw, but added: "My health comes first."
"I know I have a lot of fans who were wanting to watch me race. But for me, it is about my health and I want to go to Tokyo (Olympics) in 2020."
- Bermuda triathlete -
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"I am my biggest opponent. I strive to always beat my best records to ensure that I keep progressing forward."