ROWING: Earlier this year, Rowing Australia announced that the Australian Women’s Double Scull for World Rowing Cups 2 and 3 would feature Sally Kehoe and Elizabeth Kell, subject to Kell’s medical clearance for an ongoing injury.

Unfortunately, during Kell’s rehab program she suffered a further back injury which ruled her out of competing for Australia this season, including potentially nominating to compete at her second Olympic Games. Genevieve Horton, also a New South Welshwoman, has replaced Kell in the boat and will compete for Australia overseas this year.

Kell, the 2006 World Champion in the Women’s Double Scull alongside Brooke Pratley, said: “I am obviously bitterly disappointed that my hopes of a second Olympic Games are no longer within sight for me. I worked hard to gain selection this year but unfortunately I suffered a further injury post selections which has meant I am not able to compete for Australia.”

The 2008 Australian Olympic Team member added: “I would like to take this opportunity to wish Sally and Gen all the very best on their Road to Rio this year as they bid to gain selection to the Australian Olympic Team. I am sure that, if selected, they will make a formidable duo on the race course with their mixture of youth and experience.

“I am currently evaluating my next steps, but I suspect I will step away from competition and look to explore other opportunities in life. I would like to also thank all the medical and support staff who continue to support me with my rehab program both at NSWIS and Rowing Australia.”

The crew of Kehoe of Sydney University Boat Club and Horton of Mosman Rowing Club will travel overseas next month to compete at the Lucerne and Poznan World Cups. Should the crew be selected for the Australian Olympic Team, it would be Kehoe’s third Olympic Games, while it would be Horton’s first. The 21-year-old Horton first represented Australia at a senior level in 2015 and is a Junior World Champion and U23 World Championships bronze medallist.

Rowing Australia’s General Manager – Sport, Jaime Fernandez, said: “Liz has represented Australia at the highest level and to miss out this year due to her injury was a bitter blow for her. A superb athlete, Liz has given so much to the sport of rowing and we will continue to support her as best we can as she decides on her next move. I hope that she will continue to be involved in rowing in some way and inspire future female rowers to compete at the highest level.”

Rowing Australia