The New Zealand men's rowing four, Anthony Allen, Patrick McInnes, Axel Dickinson and Drikus Conradie, have had their Olympic dream shattered by the news that Russia will send a boat to Rio.
After weeks of training and waiting, FISA confirmed the news to Rowing New Zealand today.
The move to include Russia means New Zealand doesn't make the cut.
Twenty-two of Russia's athletes were banned by the World Rowing Federation, leaving just six eligible to compete at Rio.
And while four other entire boats were taken out of the equation, FISA allowed Russia to decide whether they would want to make up a men's four from their eligible athletes.
Rowing NZ had also questioned FISA on one of their own rules that states that a crew cannot be changed by more than 50 percent, once it has been officially entered.
Given there was just one eligible athlete from the original Russian Men's four, this rule should have applied.
However, FISA has told Rowing New Zealand they've made an exemption to that rule to allow Russia to compete.
Newshub.
