Australia picked up a fourth rowing medal after a member of the Ukrainian women's quad sculls tested positive for a prohibited stimulant.

The Ukrainians had been disqualified and Australia promoted to bronze behind Germany and Britain, said International Olympic Committee spokeswoman Giselle Davies.

Quad sculls crew member Rebecca Sattin said she was stoked.

"It would be horrible to come back empty-handed after all that work," she said.

But Australian team officials are warning Sattin, Kerry Hore, Amber Bradley and Dana Faletic not to get too excited, as the Ukrainians may appeal.

"At this stage we are treating it as an unofficial decision and until such time as they do the presentation, that's how it will be treated," said rowing team manager Wayne Diplock.

"I suppose there's a little bit of initial excitement about it (from the crew) but they have to be cautious not to get too excited in case it goes to appeal."

Australia will now take home one gold, one silver and two bronze medals from the Athens regatta.

The good news comes at a tough time for the sport, with controversy over a women's eight crew member's failure to finish the final and her team mates' angry criticism dominating headlines back home.

Reuters reported Ukrainian Olena Olefirenko had been prescribed medication containing the banned stimulant by her team doctor.

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