This West African country is officially referred to as the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau's Olympic committee (Comité Olímpico da Guiné Bissau) was established in 1992 and was recognized by the International Olympic Committee three years later. In 1996, a year after their official recognition, Guinea-Bissau participated in their very first Summer Olympics which was held in Atlanta, Georgia, USA by sending a contingent of three athletes.
Runners Amarildo Almeida and Fernando Arlete and wrestler Talata Embalo are Guinea-Bissau's first-ever Olympian team in 1996. Arlete and Embalo will be joined by female runner Anhel Cape for the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Australia. In 2004, Cape will return to the Summer Games with fellow runner Danilson Ricciuli and female wrestler Leopoldina Ross. In 2008, the Guinea-Bissau's Olympic delegation will be all new-comers and in 2012, for the first time since they debuted in the Summer Games, Guinea-Bissau will send four athletes.
Holder da Silva and Augusto Midana, who were also in the 2008 Olympic team in Beijing, China returns and was joined by female runner Graciela Martins and female wrestler Jacira Mendonca.
Since their debut in 1996, Guinea-Bissau is yet to earn their first Olympic medal and they also have never been seen in the Winter Games like most of the African countries.
Related Pages
- List of all countries that have participated at the Olympic Games.
- About sport in Guinea-Bissau