How did Rikako Ikee overcome leukaemia to qualify for Paris?

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Rikako Ikee's Journey Back to Olympic Competition After Leukaemia Diagnosis

Rikako Ikee has qualified for the Paris Olympics in the 100m butterfly, marking a significant return to elite competition following her diagnosis with leukaemia in early 2019. Her path back to the Olympics involved a period of hospitalisation and a gradual return to swimming, culminating in a strong performance at Japan's recent Olympic trials. While the provided information details her competitive achievements and recovery timeline, it does not offer specific insights into the medical treatments or rehabilitation protocols she underwent to overcome her illness.
Return to Competition After Hospitalisation

After being diagnosed with leukaemia, Ikee spent approximately 10 months in hospital. She made her return to competitive swimming in August 2020, less than two years after her diagnosis. This marked the beginning of her comeback, demonstrating resilience in resuming her athletic career after a serious health challenge.
Securing a Spot for the Paris Olympics

At the recent Japanese Olympic trials, Ikee secured her place in the 100m butterfly for the Paris Games by finishing second with a time of 57.34 seconds. This crucial second-place finish, achieved by a narrow margin of 0.01 seconds over Matsumoto Shiho, qualified her for the event. The race itself was won by 17-year-old Haiari Mazuki in 56.91 seconds.
Previous Olympic Aspirations and Relay Selection

Although Ikee won both the 100m freestyle and 100m butterfly at the 2021 Olympic trials, her times were not sufficient for individual qualification at the Tokyo Games. However, her performances did earn her selection for relay teams at those Olympics, allowing her to participate on home soil despite not competing in individual events. Now 23, her qualification for Paris represents a further step in her remarkable recovery and athletic journey.

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How did Rikako Ikee overcome leukaemia to qualify for Paris?

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