Japanese swimming star Rikako Ikee defied the odds and secured an Olympics berth after the leukaemia survivor won the women’s 100-metre butterfly at the national championships on Sunday, less than eight months after she returned to competition.
Ikee pumped her fist and received a hug from her competitor in the next lane after finishing in 57.77 seconds, qualifying her for the 4×100 medley relay at this summer’s Games.
She then broke into tears and took some time to exit the water having become overcome with emotion at her accomplishment.
“I am so happy right now,” the 20-year-old said in a poolside interview.
“I never thought I would be able to win the 100. I was much less confiden…
Keep on reading: Leukaemia survivor Ikee defies odds by securing Olympics berth