Twenty-year-old Burkhill, who has been part of the national team since 2018, will fulfill an Olympic dream sparked as a 12-year-old watching the Synchronised Swimming at the London 2012 Games. 

The Artistic Swimming Team for Tokyo was selected in February 2020, with Stackpole, who was set to compete in the teams and duet events, however she announced her retirement in August this year. 

Australian Chef de Mission for Tokyo 2020 Ian Chesterman welcomed Hannah to the Team.

“Congratulations to Hannah for being selected to her debut Olympic Team today,” Mr Chesterman said. “Hannah has worked incredibly hard to be in the position she is in today and her selection is testament to her dedication and persistence.

“I am sure it is a moment that is being celebrated by her family and friends as well.

“I also want to thank Rose for her contribution to Artistic Swimming and to the Australian Olympic Team in Rio. Rose made a courageous decision to retire, never an easy one with a Team spot secured.  But this has now provided an exciting opportunity for Hannah to make her Olympic debut, an opportunity I am sure she will make the most of.

“I know Hannah will do her teammates, family, supporters, coaches and the Australian Olympic Team proud in Tokyo.”

Perth-based Burkhill is no stranger to elite competition, helping to secure Australia’s qualification for Tokyo 2020 at the 2019 World Championships in Gwangju, South Korea.

“This is a dream come true, I’ve wanted this for so long,” Burkhill said. “In 2012 I had just started competing and I was so excited to see the Olympic Team in person in their lead-up and watching them compete at the London Olympics. I still can’t believe I’ll be at my own Games next year.

“It’s been such a crazy year and this moment is so happy but also bittersweet. After just missing out on the initial selection in February, I’m so glad to have another opportunity, but sad that Rose won’t be with the team next year.

“At Tokyo I just want to put together a swim that our community, supporters and country can be proud of.”

25-year-old Stackpole said the timing was right for her to move on and was thrilled for Hannah’s announcement for Tokyo.

“My advice for Hannah is to enjoy every moment of your Tokyo experience,” Stackpole said. “Whether it’s walking into the Village, the Opening Ceremony, your first day of competition – there are so many overwhelming positive experiences, try to take in as much as possible.

“I know Hannah and the team will put in a performance they will be proud of. 

“I took a lot of time thinking about whether to retire, but I was ready to move on and I’m so lucky to go out on my own terms. Everyone on the team and in my community has been really supportive, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Artistic Swimming Australia Inc (ASAI) President Kim Davis acknowledged the fantastic career of Rose and the opportunity for Hannah at Tokyo 2020.

"With mixed emotions, ASAI announces the retirement of the very talented Rose Stackpole,” Ms Davis said. “Rose was a force to be reckoned with in the pool as a Rio 2016 Olympian competing in both the team and duet events.  She will be missed at the swimming pool and we wish her the best in her future endeavours.

"With the retirement of Rose, we are also pleased to welcome new talent to the Tokyo 2020 Team.  Congratulations to Hannah Burkhill on her selection to the 2020 Olympic Team.  Hannah is an exceptionally hard-working and skilled athlete, we are confident she will make Australia proud in Toyko."

The selected Team size for Tokyo 2020 is now 79 athletes of an expected 480-strong Team. 

The Australian Olympic Committee has confirmed selected athletes shall remain members of the Australian Olympic Team to Tokyo, and athletes who have completed the entire qualification process, under the existing National Federation nomination criteria and international qualification systems, shall be nominated and selected in line with the existing policy.

Artistic Swimming made its Olympic debut in 1984 (named Synchronised Swimming) and is one of only two events that is female only at the Olympics.

Teams must perform a Technical routine of three minutes containing five technical elements that all teams must perform and a Free routine of four minutes that emphasises creativity and choreography.