The two remaining members of Australia’s Olympic Show Jumping Team will be allowed to compete as individuals after the team’s third member was removed last week in the wake of a positive drug test.

The Australian Olympic Committee announced Friday it had been informed that Edwina Tops-Alexander and Katie Laurie will be permitted to compete in the Individual Jumping competition at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

Katie Laurie and Edwina Tops-Alexander. Photo Courtesy of Equestrian Australia.

Australian Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman welcomed the decision to allow Tops-Alexander and Laurie to participate in the Games following the deselection of teammate Jamie Kermond on Tuesday.

“We are thrilled with the outcome for our remaining two Jumping athletes, who have been anxiously awaiting confirmation regarding their participation at the Games,” he said in a statement released by Equestrian Australia. “Edwina and Katie have both worked extremely hard to earn their place on the Australian team and we are delighted they will get the opportunity to realize their Olympic aspirations in arena at Tokyo.”

With only two remaining athletes after the team’s selected reserve opted not to travel to Japan, Australia no longer can participate in the team competition.

Tokyo will mark a milestone fourth Olympics for Tops-Alexander, making her the first Australian Jumping athlete to ride at four Games.

“I’m very happy about the outcome for myself and Katie Laurie to be able compete as individuals in Tokyo. I’m proud and I look forward to representing Australia. I will absolutely give it my utmost best,” she said.

Laurie will be making her Australian Olympic debut in Tokyo and said she can’t wait to compete at the Games.

“Words cannot describe the feeling of hearing that Edwina and I could both go as individuals,” Laurie said. “It’s been a rollercoaster but we are ready and so excited to get to Tokyo.”

Tops-Alexander and Laurie will arrive in Tokyo on July 28, as scheduled.