Rowing: 'Lay Down Sally' plans comeback

Sally Robbins

SYDNEY - One of Australia's most vilified sportswomen is planning another Olympic campaign to atone for her spectacular meltdown in Athens last year.

Rower Sally Robbins is poised to make a dramatic comeback, although some of her former teammates in the women's eight are unlikely to welcome her with open arms.

Robbins earned the moniker "Lay Down Sally" after she infamously dropped her oars part way during the gold medal race.

After taking time off, Robbins is now embarking on a comeback with the support of the sport's high-performance director, Noel Donaldson.

"She has re-committed to her goals of having a go. She is a very talented athlete and her physiology is good," he said.

If Robbins can regain her mental composure in the boat, she could return to competition at national level for the Australian and interstate championships in March.

Since her return from the Games, Robbins has lived under the shadow of constant criticism and speculation about her rowing future.

- NZPA