Donna Vakalis is one of two in the Canada team ©COC

Canada have named Melanie McCann and Donna Vakalis in their women’s modern pentathlon team for the Rio 2016 Olympics.

The duo both appeared at the London 2012 Games so will be no stranger to the grandest stage of all in the Brazilian city.

Vakalis earned her spot by finishing fourth at the 2015 Pan American Games on home soil in Toronto, while McCann qualified through the International Modern Pentathlon Union ranking lists.

Both will be preparing for Rio by jetting out to another Brazilian city, Curitaba.

“I am so thrilled to have qualified for my second Olympic Games after chasing points on the international circuit for the last year,” said McCann.

Melanie McCann is also in the Canada team
Melanie McCann is also in the Canada squad ©COC

“To wear the Maple Leaf again is such an honour and I can’t wait to perform in Rio.”

Canada are one of just nine countries to have qualified the maximum number of female athletes for the Rio modern pentathlon competition.

“It shows again just how willing and able both Donna and Melanie are to go to extremes in spite of overwhelming obstacles, in order to prepare to compete at the Olympic Games,” said John Hawes, Pentathlon Canada’s National Team Coach.

Curt Harnett, Rio 2016's Chef de Mission, added: "Donna and Melanie have been a source of pride for Canadians as they have earned tremendous respect in the modern pentathlon community.

"We wish them both the best of luck in their final preparations and we cannot wait to cheer them on this summer in Rio.”