Japan has been awarded a place in the women's 4x100 medley relay at next summer's Olympics, despite being disqualified from a qualifying race at the world championship in August, it was learned Wednesday.
Japan was eighth in the heats but looked set to miss out on a ticket to Rio de Janeiro as the team was disqualified in the final because second swimmer Kanako Watanabe dived into the pool before Sayaka Akase had touched the wall.
Swimming's world governing body FINA had initially said the top 12 teams from the heats at the worlds would be guaranteed of their places in Rio de Janeiro, but not disqualified teams.
But FINA notified the Japan Swimming Federation of its revised decision following the championships in Kazan, Russia, meaning Japan will participate in all six relay events in Rio.