Aruba at the 1996 Summer Olympics

The Aruban Olympic Committee was recognised by the International Olympic Committee on 1 January 1986.^[1] Aruba made its Olympic debut as a distinct territory soon after, at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, and they have participated in every Summer Olympic Games since.^[2] The 1996 Summer Olympics were held in Atlanta, United States, from 19 July to 4 August 1996; 10,318 athletes took part representing 194 National Olympic Committees.^[3] Atlanta was Aruba's third time participating in the Summer Olympics.^[2] The Aruban delegation to these Olympics consisted of three competitors, track and field athlete Miguel Janssen, weightlifter Junior Faro, and cyclist Lucien Dirksz.^[4] Faro was chosen as the flag-bearer for the opening ceremony.^[2]

The following is the list of number of competitors in the Games.^[5]

Miguel Janssen was 25 years old at the time of the Atlanta Olympics, and was making his only Olympic appearance.^[6][7] On 31 July, he took part in the first round of the men's 200 metres, and was drawn into heat ten. He finished the race in 21.72 seconds, seventh and last in his heat, and he was eliminated from the competition.^[8] The gold medal was eventually won by Michael Johnson of the United States in 19.32 seconds, the silver medal was earned by Frankie Fredericks of Namibia, and the bronze was won by Ato Boldon of Trinidad and Tobago.^[9][10]

Lucien Dirksz was 27 years old at the time of these Olympics, and had previously represented Aruba at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.^[11][12] On 31 July, he took part in the 221.85 kilometres (137.85 mi) men's road race, but failed to finish the competition.^[13] The gold medal was won by Pascal Richard of Switzerland in 4 hours 53 minutes and 56 seconds; the silver was earned by Rolf Sørensen of Denmark, and the bronze was taken by Max Sciandri of Great Britain.^[14]