One of Russia's crew, Anastasia Karabelshchikova, was banned from competing because of her doping history, leading to the entire boat being ruled ineligible.

The result: the Australia Women's Eight is now heading to the Games, a crew in which 24-year-old Stephan features.

She said she was thrilled for the opportunity.

“I've been working towards this for a long time,’’ she said.

“It's a dream come true to become an Olympian.

“It’s obviously not the way I thought it would happen but I'm going to take this opportunity and give it my all.’’

Australia initially failed to qualify for the Games but were the first reserve for the Rio showpiece, which starts next week.

They had reassembled in Melbourne to maintain fitness in the hope of a favourable decision, and will now focus on the getting ready for Brazil.

“We haven't had much time in the boat but Rowing Australia is fully supporting us and we are going there to give it our absolute all and race hard,’’ Stephan said.

“We will be just focusing on training hard and going as fast as we can as our main priority between now and when we leave.’’

Stephan thanked her family for their support throughout her rowing career.

“Mum and dad are over the moon,’’ she said.

“I face-timed them as soon as I heard the news so I could see their faces when I told them.’’

Stephan also thanked her friends, the Victorian Institute of Sport, Melbourne University Boat Club and Rowing Australia.

“But honestly, there are too many people to say who have given their time to me in help of achieving this dream,’’ she said.

Initially from Nhill, Stephan attended Ballarat Grammar as a border, taking up rowing in her final years at the school. 

Following her success in the age-capped events, Stephan was forced to work hard in January and February of this year to earn a place in the senior national squad at the national trials.

Stephan then made the move to Sydney in order to train with the nation’s finest rowers.

Her crew finished third in final qualifying in Switzerland in May, with Russia claiming the last spot by finishing second.

However, with Russia now banned, Australia has earned its place.

The 24-year-old was part of Grammar’s 2009 Head of the Lake winning crew in 2009, before moving to Melbourne where she rowed for Melbourne University Boat Club.

Rowing Australia chairman Rob Scott described the FISA decision as an incredible boost for Australian women’s sweep rowing and women’s rowing in general.

"To have more women being given the opportunity to compete at the pinnacle level of their sport will provide the inspiration for others to follow in their footsteps,’’ he said.

"Rowing Australia has always been committed to clean and fair competition and we commend FISA on their strong action in response to the recent findings of the McLaren Report."