Paris Olympics: Leukaemia survivor set to make her mark

Rikako Ikee, a Leukaemia survivor, will take part in the 100m butterfly at the Paris Olympics 2024 after Japan named their 27-member swimming team on Wednesday for the mega event.

She had failed to secure an individual place at the Tokyo Games three years ago.

Meanwhile, three-time world champion Daiya Seto will feature in the men's individual medley.

An 18-year-old Ikee bagged the elusive title of MVP of the 2018 Asian Games after securing six golds and two silvers, and was touted to be one of the stars of the Tokyo Olympics.

However, in early 2019, she was diagnosed with leukaemia and was hospitalised for around 10 months.

She made an incredible comeback to competition in August 2020 by winning the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly at the 2021 Olympic trials.

Her times didn’t meet the requirements for qualification for the individual events in Tokyo but her impressive display helped her secure spot in both freestyle and medley relay teams.

Now 23, Ikee bagged her spot in the 100m butterfly by just 0.01sec at Japan's trials earlier this month as she held off her nearest competitor Matsumoto Shiho to end up in second place in 57.34sec.

"In the end I think it was my long arms that won the touch," Ikee was quoted as saying by Olympics.com.

"I think God was on my side today."

In an impressive 56.91sec, 17-year-old Haiari Mazuki clinched the top spot.

Also on the plane to Paris are Mio Narita, 17, in the women's individual medley and Tomoyuki Matsushita, 18, who swims the same event for men.

"I'm glad lots of veterans and young talent made it to the national team this time," Daichi Suzuki, the swimming federation chief, was reported as saying by Japan media.

"I hope to see them on the podium with Japan's national flag on their shoulders in Paris," he added.

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