The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee (TTOC) announced the decision of its Games Management Committee (GMC) during a press conference at Olympic House in Port of Spain.

It follows a dispute between gymnast Thema Williams and the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation (TTGF), with the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) having handed the TTOC a deadline of May 9 to decide whether to take up their spot.

Williams had expected to compete at the Games after finishing 59th in the artistic women’s individual qualification at last year’s World Gymnastics Championships in Glasgow, 18 places ahead of Dick.

As the top finisher from the country at the Championships, it was assumed that Williams would represent Trinidad and Tobago at the Rio 2016 test event, a qualifier for the Olympic Games.

Following the Championships, the country revealed they had not decided on their representative, while both gymnasts were referred to the TTGF Disciplinary Committee after semi-nude photographs of them were published online.

Eventually Williams was selected to compete at last month's test event only to be withdrawn by the team ahead of the competition due to apparent injury, with Dick selected as her replacement.

Dick went on to become the first gymnast from Trinidad and Tobago to book an Olympic place in gymnastics competition but Williams has disputed her withdrawal and has alleged a campaign against her.

She has indicated that she could take legal action in order to pursue a place at the Games.

"This has been a very gruelling and difficult few weeks as this situation has taken on very emotional dimensions in the public glare," said TTOC President Brian Lewis.

"We acknowledge that the situation has shaken public confidence in the integrity of the decision-making process for Team TTO Rio 2016.

"It’s a dark cloud - public confidence in the governance of sport has been shaken."

The final decision was made after two days of discussion, and the consideration of submissions by several entities including the FIG, the TTGF and legal advice.

"I think it’s really incredible," Dick told Trinidad and Tobago's Newsday.

"I’m just so excited to be able to compete for Trinidad and Tobago, and being a part of this team. 

"Just wearing the red, white and black, I’m really celebrating."

Williams refuted the TTGF’s assertion that she was unable to compete at the test event.

FIG confirmed that the TTGF had a free choice in which gymnast to choose at the test event, while revealing a name change from Williams to Dick was made in line with the rules of the world governing body and within the time limit.

FIG also expressed that as the place earned by Dick was nominative, no name change or replacement would be possible.

Lewis added: "We are bound to observe and uphold certain principles and rules which govern our selection of athletes, including a duty of fairness.

"Decisions taken in the selection process ought to forsee that it would have a significant impact on the rights of athletes."