Sally Robbins’ Dashed Olympic Hopes
I’ve read in the news before on how Sally Robbins had wanted another shot at the Olympics after her somewhat-scandalous performance during the 2004 Athens Games. Now, after reading the latest on her quest, I’ve learned that it may be close to impossible to have that dream of hers realised.
To bring the rest of you up to speed, Robbins is infamous for being “lay down Sally”. As I’ve mentioned before, “the team was in medal contention when Robbins apparently stopped rowing and laid down on her team mate’s lap due to exhaustion.” That didn’t sit well with a sport-mad country, hence, her notorious rep. However, after all the drama caused by that incident, Robbins took it into heart to prove herself worthy of a seat back in the Australian Olympic Rowing Team and had taken steps to redeem herself. But her efforts have fallen short of the dream.
Had Robbins made the world titles squad, she would have at least had a chance to prove to selectors and crewmates that she can perform under pressure on the big stage. Even if she impresses in the Olympic trials next year, the only gauge selectors will have is in lead-up World Cup events, which will not present the pressures of a world title regatta, of which this year’s is an Olympic qualifier.
Some opportunities are presented even to the undeserving but in this case perhaps more is expected from someone who had caused disappointment. Sometimes, it would require more than time, sweat and tears. People may forgive but often times, they never forget. I wish Sally the best as she takes on the final leg of her quest. Robbins has one last chance next year to make the Games team, but without any international form to back her. Hopefully, she’d make full use of that chance.
Tags: Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, Light the Torch, Obiter Dictum, Olympians, Olympic News, Olympics, World ChampionshipRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Beijing 2008, Light the Torch, Olympians, Olympic News
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