Australian Rowing Eight Sally Kehoe injured ahead of Beijing Olympics

Sally Kehoe, 21, was struck in the back by the oar of another rower while the Australia's women’s rowing eight was training at 7.30 this morning at Syndey's Nepean River.

She was treated at the scene by the team physiotherapist. The male single-sculler, a social rower, was also treated in hospital to prevent hypothermia.

Women's Eight headcoach Lyall McCarthy said the incident was a "freak accident" and no one was to blame.

The accident is a setback to the women’s eight, which has worked hard to overcome memories of the Athens Olympics and the “Lay down Sally” scandal.

McCarthy said while the injury was not considered serious it is unclear when Kehoe will rejoin training.