World champion hurdler Sally Pearson believes her increased maturity can help her improve on the silver medal she earned at the Beijing Olympics in London.
Pearson, who came second in the 100 metre hurdles in 2008, has progressed into one of the best female hurdlers in recent years and is among the favourites to take gold in London in July.
The 25-year-old said she felt more adapt with handling the big stage than when she produced a shock with her silver medal effort in 2008.
"I'm older, I'm stronger. I know what to do now. When I get to a big stage I know what to expect, and I'm more comfortable in my surroundings when I'm overseas," Pearson said.
"I have four years more training under my belt than what I had going into Beijing."
"You just mature as an athlete."
Pearson, who will compete in the Go for 2 & 5 Classic in Perth on Saturday, said she was happy with her fitness levels with six months to go until the Olympics and was confident she was go into the Games in peak condition.
"I'm in good shape. I ran 11.25 seconds in my first 100m in Brisbane two weeks ago now," she said.
"So if I can get out of the blocks fast and get over those hurdles correctly you could see a 12.7, 12.6 run, which is I think not a too shabby start to the season."
"I'm not really tapering down during the Australian season. I'm making sure I keep a strong base behind me."
"After the Australian season's finished, I won't go all the way back because I don't need to. I'll put a bit more distance into my training and just keep my strength up really going into the European season."
Pearson said she agreed with the recent assessment of her coach, Sharon Hannan, that she was still a few years away from her prime.
"I'm only 25. I'm already running 12.28 seconds at my best. I hope I can go faster," she said.
"But to me it's not always about times, it's more about medals. Now I don't go into competitions without wanting to win. I want to go away from a race with a medal ... preferably gold."
Pearson is yet to test herself in her pet 100 metre hurdles this year and will again compete in the 100 metre sprint in Perth.