Costa Rica at the Olympics Games Paris 2024

Published on 7 August 2024

Costa Rica at Olympic Games Paris 2024

Unlike other editions in which soccer was a great support for the presentation of a large Costa Rican delegation, Paris 2024 will see one of the smallest teams in the history of the Central American country. The last time less than ten Costa Rican athletes qualified for the Olympic Games was for Beijing 2008, with only eight.

Costa Rica’s Olympic Record

Costa Rica has had a remarkable track record in the Olympic Games since its first participation in 1936. Here is a detail of its track record:

Participations

• First participation: Berlin 1936 Olympic Games, with only one athlete, Bernardo de la Guardia, in fencing.
• Return: After being absent in four editions, Costa Rica returned to the Games in Tokyo 1964, represented by two judoists, Orlando Madrigal and Rafael Barquero.
• Consecutive participations: Since 1964, Costa Rica has been present in all Olympic editions, totaling 17 participations until Paris 2024.

Medals

Costa Rica ha ganado un total de cuatro medallas en su historia olímpica, todas en natación y obtenidas por las hermanas Claudia y Sylvia Poll:

• Gold medal: Claudia Poll in the 200-meter freestyle at Atlanta 1996.
• Silver medal: Sylvia Poll in the 200-meter freestyle at Seoul 1988.
• Bronze medals: Claudia Poll in the 200 and 400 meters freestyle in Sydney 2000.

On this occasion, Costa Rica will send six athletes to compete in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, to be held from July 26 to August 11. This is the smallest delegation in the country’s history at the Olympic Games. The athletes will represent Costa Rica in five different disciplines.

Costa Rica’s stars to watch at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

This Olympic group is made up of a total of 3 participants on the women’s side and another 3 on the men’s side. By discipline, they are divided into surfing, cycling, athletics, judo, and swimming. Alberto Vega and Alondra Ortiz will be in the water bucket, while Brisa Hennessy will be one of the summer favorites in open water.

Brisa Hennessy (Surf)

The surfer reached her first World Surf League final this year at the Tahiti stop. To get there, she beat Catlin Simmers, world No. 1, and ended up taking the silver medal in the tournament. Today, Hennessy is ranked third in the world and has medal aspirations.

Alberto Vega (Swimming).

The last two years have been of significant growth for the judoka, who in 2022 became Pan American and Oceania champion in the -60kg category. Last June he demonstrated his high level of preparation for Paris by winning two silver medals at the Marrakech African Open and the Lima Pan American Open, respectively.

Alondra Ortiz (Swimming).

Born on January 9, 2004 in San Jose, she showed exceptional swimming skills from a young age, excelling in the 200-meter butterfly category. Ortiz has represented Costa Rica in international competitions, including the Central American Swimming Confederation championships.

Sebastián Sancho (Judo)

Born on December 28, 2000 in San José, he has been involved in judo since he was young, achieving outstanding results in national and international competitions. Sancho has represented his country in several International Judo Association tournaments and has been part of the national team.

Milagro Mena (Road Cycling).

Born on January 12, 1999 in San José, she showed interest in cycling since she was a child and has competed in several national and international events. Mena has been part of the national cycling team and has participated in championships of the International Cycling Union (UCI).

Gerald Drummond (Athletics)

He will compete in the men’s 400 meter hurdles, with the first round on August 5 and the final scheduled for August 9.

Born on March 15, 1996 in San José, specialized in the 400 meter hurdles. Since his youth, he has excelled in athletics, participating in national and international competitions. Drummond has been part of the national team and has competed in championships of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF).

Costa Rica at Paris 2024

Costa Rica will have its smallest delegation in 48 years, with only six athletes, which represents a considerable decrease from the 14 that participated in Tokyo 2020. This reduction may limit the medal opportunities and support athletes may receive compared to larger delegations. The decrease in the number of athletes may reflect a reduction in the funding and support they receive, which may affect their performance. In addition, the lack of international competition experience could be a barrier for some of the younger athletes.

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