Many countries at the Beijing Olympics know they have no hope of upstaging powerhouse nations like China and the US, but the world’s sporting minnows plan to grab some of the limelight.
While some nations might whinge about winning dozens of medals, others will be glad of just one — and a bronze at that.
More than 80 countries competing in Beijing have never before been on the Olympic podium. For a myriad of reasons — political, geographical, financial — their sporting prowess has never matured.
After a crisis meeting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last week, war-torn Iraq was finally allowed to send four athletes, but their chances of making the podium are slim.
The IOC had suspended the country’s participation in May citing political interference in its national Olympic committee, which the Iraqi government had dissolved over allegations of corruption.
But Iraq pledged to hold free elections for the committee under international observation, paving the way for its reinstatement.
“It does not matter what we will achieve at the Games, the important thing is we are here,” said relieved Iraqi sprinter Dana Hussein, who will compete in the 100m and 200m as her country’s sole female competitor.
Another country facing difficulties is the tiny South Pacific island nation of Kiribati, which has managed to send three athletes — 200m sprinters Kaitinano Mwemweata and Rabangaki Nawai, and weightlifter David Katoatau.
Tiny Brunei might be oil rich, but when it comes to producing athletes, it is lacking big time. The small monarchy on the island of Borneo will be competing in its fifth Summer Olympics but will inevitably go home empty-handed.
Bhutan is bigger than Brunei, but remains one of the most secluded countries in the world.
Their national sport is archery and they have an outside chance after six Games with no joy.
Cambodia may not be a minnow in population terms, but it remains that way in the sporting arena.
Boxing is its forte and it has sent a handful of athletes, including swimmer Hem Thon Ponloeu and his 16-year-old niece Hem Thon Vitiny.
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