Kierra Smith needed a top-eight finish to qualify for Thursday's 200-metre breaststroke final at the 2016 Olympic Games.
The 22-year-old from Kelowna did exactly that on Wednesday night in Rio, finishing eighth overall to keep her Olympic medal hopes alive.
With a swim of 2:22.87, was just 5/100 of second shy of her lifetime best in the 200, finishing fourth in her semifinal heat.
"I'm so excited for tomorrow, to be in an Olympic final that's unreal, that's the dream" Smith told CBC after the race. "I'm just going to be my best for Canada, the best I can."
Earlier in the day, Smith was sixth overall in the heats to earn one of 16 spots in Wednesday's semifinals.
The 200 breaststroke final is set for Thursday night at 6:15 p.m. Pacific Time.
