Burundi at the 2008 Summer Olympics
| Burundi at the 2008 Summer Olympics |
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| IOC code | BDI | ||||||||
| NOC | Comité National Olympique du Burundi | ||||||||
| in Beijing | |||||||||
| Competitors | 3 in 2 sports | ||||||||
| Flag bearer | Francine Niyonizigiye | ||||||||
| Medals |
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| Summer Olympics appearances (overview) | |||||||||
Burundi participated in the 2008 Summer Olympics, held in Beijing, China from 8 to 24 August 2008. It was Burundi's fourth appearance in the summer Olympics since its debut in 1996. The Burundi team included three athletes: runners Joachim Nshimirimana and Francine Niyonizigiye, as well as swimmer Elsie Uwamahoro. Niyonizigiye, a marathon runner, was flag bearer for the opening ceremony. None of the Burundi athletes progressed further than the qualifying round.
Burundi had participated in three previous Summer Olympics, between its debut in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, United States and the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. At its debut, the country sent seven athletes to the games, all of whom competed in athletics. The largest number of Burundian athletes participating in the summer games is seven in 1996 and 2004. The only Burundian competitor to win a medal at the Olympics was Vénuste Niyongabo, who won gold in the men's 5000 metres in 1996. Three athletes from Burundi were selected to compete in the 2008 Olympics: Joachim Nshimirimana in the men's marathon, Francine Niyonizigiye in the women's track and field 5000 metres and Elsie Uwamahoro in the women's 50 metre freestyle swimming.
At the 2008 Olympics, Burundi was represented by one male in athletics, marathon runner Joachim Nshimirimana. At age 35, Nshimirimana was the country's oldest competitor, and was competing at his second Olympics. He competed in the 2004 Olympics, also in marathon. He competed on the 24 August in Beijing, and finished 68th out of 95 in a time of 2 hours, 29 minutes and 55 seconds, over 23 minutes behind the winner, Samuel Kamau Wanjiru.
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