Rio de Janeiro, Dec 18 (IANS): Brazilian swimmer Joanna Maranhao secured a place at her fourth Olympics on Thursday by achieving the Rio 2016 qualifying standard in the 400 metres individual medley.

The 28-year-old clocked four minutes, 40.78 seconds -- eclipsing the qualifying mark of 4:43.46 -- at an event in the southern Brazilian city of Palhoca on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

"I love this event so much that I don't know how to explain it," an elated Maranhao told reporters after winning her event.

"I can sometimes be a little nervous to begin with but when I'm on the block I feel so happy. To get a spot in my fourth Olympics is a great feeling."

Others to qualify for the Rio 2016 Games during Thursday's competition were Nicolas Oliveira (200m freestyle), Joao de Lucca (200m freestyle), Guilherme Guido (100m backstroke), Marcos Macedo (100m butterfly), Henrique Martins (100m butterfly) and Nicholas Santos (100m butterfly).

Brazilian swimmers will have another chance to earn an Olympic berth at the country's second and final qualifying event in April.