The 19-year-old, who was discharged from hospital in January, took to Instagram to announce the news.

"The hospital doctor finally gave me permission to get back in the pool," Ikee posted.

"It's the first time for me to enter a pool in 406 days, apparently.

"I feel good and am happy beyond words."

Ikee also commented about the spread of coronavirus, saying: "I hope people, including myself, will properly take measures to prevent infections and the problem will be solved as soon as possible."

Prior to her diagnosis, Ikee earned six gold medals at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang and was named the Most Valuable Player of the multi-sport event. 

Her performances saw her become a poster girl for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, which earlier this week were postponed until 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In January, Ikee said she will be working towards the Paris 2024 Olympics.

However, the postponement of Tokyo 2020 could mean she has a re-think.

Former Japanese Olympics Minister Yoshitaka Sakurada was forced to apologise for comments he made after Ikee's diagnosis.

He admitted he "lacked consideration" after he suggested the diagnosis could dampen her team-mates' excitement for Tokyo 2020.