Sally Robbins announces comeback

Australia's Sally Robbins, who caused uproar when she stopped rowing in the Olympic women's eights final in Athens, is to return to the sport after an 18-month absence.

"The challenge of overcoming the experience in Athens has taken more time as there were many factors contributing to my performance at this event," she said in a statement.

Robbins said she would compete in the single and double-scull events at this week's Australian national titles in Tasmania.

"Although I have competed many times at a national championships, I know this one holds added significance because it marks my return to competitive rowing.

"It has been 18 months since Athens Olympics and, like a number of Olympians from rowing, it has taken me a long time to feel like getting back into competition."

Robbins was at the centre of a national storm after she suddenly stopped rowing during the final of the women's eights in Athens.

Australia finished last and Robbins was ostracised by her crewmates despite claiming she was too exhausted to continue.

Robbins took a break from the sport but always said she hoped to make a comeback with a view to making the team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.