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Rowing Australia has welcomed the decision of FISA, (International Rowing Federation) to award a qualification place for the Rio Olympics to the Australian women’s eight after the Russian crew were barred from competing.
The move was taken due to Anastasia Karabelshchikova’s history of doping and the IOC’s decision to leave any banning of Russian athletes to each individual sport’s ruling body following the explosive WADA-adminstered McLaren Report that was released last week.
Australia initially failed to qualify for the Games but were the first reserve for the Rio showpiece which starts next week.
Rob Scott, chairman of Rowing Australia said that FISA’s swift response protects the integrity of Olympic rowing.
“We are thrilled that our women’s eight will be able to be nominated to the Olympic Team for Rio,” Scott said in a statement.
“The decision, handed down by FISA today, is an incredible boost for Australian women’s sweep rowing and womens 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.”