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Women's eight awarded a spot at Rio Games

 

Women's eight awarded a spot at Rio Games

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AOC
Women's eight awarded a spot at Rio Games
Australia has been awarded a place in the women's eight competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games after Russia was disqualified from the event.

ROWING: Australia has been awarded a place in the women's eight competition at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games after Russia was disqualified from the event.

Australia was the first reserve for this event after just missing a place at the final qualification regatta in late May. 

Rowing Australia released the following statement

Rowing Australia welcomes the decision made by FISA (International Rowing Federation) this evening to award a qualification place for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games to the Australian Women’s Eight, following the decision to rule the Russian crew ineligible.
 
Rob Scott, Chairman of Rowing Australia said that FISA’s swift response protects the integrity of Olympic rowing and its longstanding history of leadership in world anti-doping practices.
 
“We are thrilled that our Women’s Eight will be able to be nominated to the Olympic Team for Rio. The decision, handed down by FISA today, is an incredible boost for Australian women’s sweep rowing and women’s rowing in general.  To have more women being given the opportunity to compete at the pinnacle level of their sport will provide the inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps.
 
“RA has always been committed to clean and fair competition and we commend FISA on their strong action in response to the recent findings of the McLaren Report.”

RA has been in constant communication with FISA to promote the position of the Australian Women’s Eight and are delighted that the athletes have been given their opportunity to be nominated to the Australian Olympic Committee.

Rowing Australia has communicated directly with the athletes this evening, and will now work with the Australian Olympic Committee to implement the logistical arrangements developed over the last week to ensure the support of the Women’s Eight in their final preparation and then travel to Rio. 

The Australian Olympic Committee will select the nominated athletes as soon as possible. This will mean there are more women than men on an Australian Olympic Team for the first time. Once confirmed this will take the Team to 419 athletes (212 women and 207 men).

More Russian athletes to miss Rio

At least 85 athletes from the 387-strong Russian Olympic team announced last week have so far been barred from the Rio Games in connection with the country's doping scandal.

International federations in canoeing and modern pentathlon ruled out seven on Tuesday, including an Olympic gold medallist, following earlier rulings in swimming and rowing. The entire athletics section was previously banned. 

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