Robbins still harbours Olympic dream

Sally Robbins says she still has the desire to row for her country in an Olympics but does not know whether she will get the chance again.

Dubbed "Lay Down Sally" after she stopped rowing in the middle of the women's eights final at the 2004 Games in Athens, Robbins failed to impress during Olympic trial regattas held at Penrith, west of Sydney over the past two months.

A week after her quest for Olympic redemption in Beijing in August was ended by her non-selection in the Australian double sculls crew, the 26 year-old said she had still had a dream to win a gold medal, but had not yet decided whether she would commit to train for the 2012 Olympics in London.

"To be honest I am not sure what the next step is ... but I came back to rowing because I love it and it is my passion," Robbins said.

"Being an elite athlete involves huge sacrifices ... I know it is a big decision, but I know I still have the desire to achieve my dreams."

An emotional Robbins also directly addressed what happened in Athens four years ago, saying she now realised she had pushed her body beyond its limits in a bid to please those around her.

"In my personality I like to please others and try to do things beyond my capabilities. Outside of sport this is generally seen as a really good trait, but in rowing it has proven my weakness," Robbins said.

"In trying to please others ... I tried too hard and go beyond my capabilities. I push myself mentally and physically beyond my limits. There is only so much a human body can take.

"Going beyond my limits in the pressure of an Olympic final led to the collapse at the Olympic Games."

The Perth rower had changed disciplines to make a bold bid for a heavyweight sculls berth, specifically the doubles.

But her fate was effectively sealed over the first three days of the final trials regatta, when her doubles boat was beaten by the world champion lightweight doubles sculls pairing of Amber Halliday and Marguerite Houston.

An emotional Robbins said the hardest element of her recent comeback had been the realisation she would not be representing Australia in China.

"Obviously I am extremely disappointed not to have the opportunity to represent my country ... but I am proud to be an Olympian," Robbins said

"And I feel I have succeeded because I faced my fears and my weaknesses, and I am proud of my performance."