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