Rio Olympian Annaliese Rubie-Renshaw will compete in the 4x400m relay in Tokyo.

“It hasn't sunk in that I've finally been selected; it feels surreal” Rubie-Renshaw said. “It's been a long wait, but it's exciting too. I feel the longer you wait, the more special it feels to be selected onto a team.

“Before Rio, I had the benefit of being selected early on, so it's been really different this time around. I'm doing my final preparation at home, and when the Games start we'll still be in Australia.

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“I haven't competed on an Australian team since 2018 due to a few injuries, so I'm most looking forward to walking into the stadium, whether there is a crowd or there is no crowd, because after this time away, it will be really special to wear the green and gold again.

“Being in a relay team is always a special experience, coming from an individual sport. You're part of a team - not just part of the Australian Olympic Team, but the relay team and you’re sharing such a special moment with others. I'm looking forward to seeing what's possible after doing so well in Rio.”

Discus thrower Matt Denny returns for his second Olympics, securing his selection with a personal best throw.

“I was so happy to throw a PB so close to Tokyo especially considering we have a lot of freshening up to do to get into peak form, so I’m very excited about the form I potentially could get into,” Denny said.

“I’m really just looking forward to finally competing again. It’s been a long time between drinks when it comes to competing internationally, so I’m hanging out to get back in the ring. The past few years have had a lot of learning curves, but it’s nice to have learnt them ahead of Tokyo.”

Athletics Australia CEO Peter Bromley welcomed today’s finalisation of the team for Tokyo.

“With just weeks to go until the Tokyo Games finally begin, it’s incredibly exciting to see 36 more athletes announced to the Australian Olympic Athletics Team,” Bromley said.

“What’s more exciting is the real mix of experience we have in this fourth wave selected. We have 14 Olympians joining the team once again, including Jeff Riseley who will add Olympics number four to his list of achievements, and 22 debutants, all of whom have made a lasting impression on the Australian athletics community, including our youngest athlete on the team, 18-year-old Ellie Beer. This highlights to me that the future of athletics in our country is strong and bright.”

“It’s not only these athletes we must congratulate today. Each of them has a great support system around them, including coaches, support staff and their families and friends who have all buoyed them up to make this happen.

“We have a big few weeks ahead as our team now goes into camp to put the finishing touches on their final preparations, but I’m looking forward to seeing all 63 Australian track and field representatives put their work from over the last five years into action.”

Most Australian based Athletics team members will join a pre-Olympics training camp in Cairns from 10 July – additional media opportunities to be coordinated by Sascha Ryner at Athletics Australia.

Note a non-nominated athlete is appealing their non-nomination. That process is being followed.

The Athletics competition will run from 30 July – 8 August Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium for track and field and Sapporo Odori Park for road events. Find out more about Athletics at the Olympics in the infographic below.

Biggest Australian Athletics Team for Overseas Olympics Finalised