Chile at the 1896 Summer Olympics
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| Chile at the 1896 Summer Olympics | |
|---|---|
 | |
| IOC code | CHI |
| NOC | Chilean Olympic Committee |
| in Athens, Greece April 6, 1896 – April 15, 1896 | |
| Competitors | 1 in 2 sports and 4 events |
| Medals |
|
| Summer Olympics appearances (overview) | |
Chile competed at the 1896 Summer Olympics, the first Olympics, in Athens, Greece, from 6 to 15 April 1896. The delegation consisted of one athlete competing in two sports and four events – runner and cyclist, Luis Subercaseaux. He claimed to have competed for Chile in the 100, 400 and 800 metres running events, along with the men's road race cycling event. Although Subercaseaux’s participation remains a subject of debate among historians, as these claims cannot be substantiated because the Official Report typically includes only medal winners and Subercaseaux did not win any, a photo of the 100 metres sprint appraised by the Chilean forensic police is evidence that he participated. The country's involvement is historically significant as it was the only South American competitor at the Games.
The appearance of Chile at the Athens Summer Olympics marked its first Olympic appearance.[1] The Games took place from 6 to 15 April 1896.[2] Chile did not win an Olympic medal at these Games.[3] The nation's delegation consisted of one athlete competing in two sports and four events.[4] Gymnastics was a major sport in Chile and compulsory for all students in school. However, there were no Chilean gymnasts who competed.[5]
Competitors
Luis Subercaseaux, full name Luis Subercaseaux Errázuriz, was the only competitor for Chile in the Games.[4] Thirteen years old at the time of the Games,[6] he was the son of Chilean diplomat and politician, Ramón Subercaseaux Vicuña, and brother of Juan Subercaseaux, an archbishop.[7] He was the only South American participant in the Games.[8]
| Sport | Men | Women | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athletics | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Cycling | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Total | 1 | 0 | 1 |
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