Kiribati at the 2008 Summer Olympics
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| Kiribati at the 2008 Summer Olympics | |
|---|---|
 | |
| IOC code | KIR |
| NOC | Kiribati National Olympic Committee |
| Website | www |
| in Beijing | |
| Competitors | 2 in 2 sports |
| Flag bearer | David Katoatau |
| Medals |
|
| Summer Olympics appearances (overview) | |
Kiribati competed in the Summer Olympic Games for the second time at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, following their debut appearance in the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. The country had intended to send a total of three athletes to the Games, competing in two sports: athletics and weightlifting. Female sprinter Kaitinano Mwemweata had to withdraw due to illness after contracting tuberculosis.
Kiribati had interest in Olympic participation in the 1980s, and the country later formed their National Olympic Committee (NOC) in 2002, which was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2003.[1]: 311 Kiribati's first Games was in 2004.[2] As of these Olympics, Kiribati had never won an Olympic medal.[3]
Weightlifter David Katoatau was Kiribati's flag bearer for the opening ceremonies.[4] The flag bearer for the closing ceremony was Kiribati NOC president Birimaka Tekanene.[5]
