Iraq at the Olympics

Iraq first participated at the Olympic Games in 1948. Iraqis missed the 1952 and boycotted the 1956 games over opposition to Operation Musketeer (Suez Crisis). Following this absence, Iraq returned to win a Bronze medal at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome. They participated in the next three games but once again did not appear in the 1972 and 76 games to boycott Apartheid South Africa. In joining the 1976 Boycott, Iraq became only the second non-African state to participate in the boycott (the other being Guyana). Since 1980, Iraq has appeared in every game despite the Iraq Wars. On April 9th, 2003 the National Committee of Iraq building in Baghdad was nearly badly damaged in looting and fires from looters. [1] Iraq's Olympic program recovered in time to compete in the Athens Olympics the following year. Iraq has never competed at the Winter Olympic Games.

Iraq has only won one medal since they have entered the games. They won the medal in Weight lifting.

They have been represented by National Olympic Committee of Iraq since entering. This committee was however abolished in May 2008.

Medalists

References

* Los Angeles Times April 9th, 2008 pg. 1
* [http://www.aafla.org/5va/reports_frmst.htm Official Olympic Reports]
* [http://www.olympic.org/uk/athletes/results/search_r_uk.asp International Olympic Committee results database]