Djibouti at the 1988 Summer Olympics
Summary of Djibouti’s participation in the 1988 Seoul Olympics: delegation, athletes, events, and the nation's first Olympic medal and its significance.
Overview
Djibouti took part in the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea. This marked the country's second appearance at the Summer Games after its Olympic debut four years earlier. The Djiboutian delegation was small, reflecting the country's limited resources and developing sports infrastructure, but carried significant national hopes.
Image gallery
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Competitors and events
Six athletes represented Djibouti in Seoul. Most competed in track and field, while one athlete took part in sailing. The team roster included:
- Hoche Yaya Aden
- Ismael Hassan
- Talal Omar Abdillahi
- Hussein Ahmed Salah
- Omar Moussa
- Robleh Ali Adou
Five competitors entered athletics events, spanning long-distance and related track events, while sailing was represented by Robleh Ali Adou. The small squad size was typical for emerging nations making early appearances at the Games.
Medal and performance
The most notable outcome for Djibouti in 1988 was the performance of Hussein Ahmed Salah in the marathon. He earned the bronze medal, securing the first Olympic medal in Djibouti's history. That achievement stood out not only as an individual success but also as a milestone for the country's international sporting profile.
Significance and legacy
Salah’s medal had a lasting symbolic impact: it demonstrated that athletes from small nations could reach the Olympic podium in endurance events where East African runners often excel. The 1988 participation helped raise the visibility of athletics at home and provided inspiration for future generations of Djiboutian athletes.
Notable facts
Djibouti’s presence in Seoul exemplified common patterns for newly participating nations — compact teams, focus on a few sports where athletes had comparative strengths, and the potential for standout performances to shape a country’s sporting narrative. The 1988 Games remain a key chapter in Djibouti’s Olympic history.
Questions and answers
Q: Did Djibouti participate in the 1988 Summer Olympics?
A: Yes, Djibouti participated in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
Q: How many athletes did Djibouti send to the Olympics?
A: Djibouti sent six athletes to the Olympics.
Q: Who are the athletes that Djibouti sent to the Olympics?
A: The athletes that Djibouti sent to the Olympics were Hoche Yaya Aden, Ismael Hassan, Talal Omar Abdillahi, Hussein Ahmed Salah, Omar Moussa, and Robleh Ali Adou.
Q: How many of the athletes competed in track and field events?
A: All of the athletes except Robleh Ali Adou competed in track and field athletics events.
Q: What sport did Robleh Ali Adou compete in?
A: Robleh Ali Adou competed in sailing.
Q: Was this the first time Djibouti went to the Olympics?
A: No, this was the second time Djibouti went to the Olympics.
Q: Where were the 1988 Summer Olympics held?
A: The 1988 Summer Olympics were held in Seoul, South Korea.
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Djibouti at the 1988 Summer Olympics Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/28038
Sources
- stillmed.olympic.org : "Fact Sheet of the Olympic Summer Games"
- sports-reference.com : "Djibouti at the 1988 Seoul Summer Games"
- sports-reference.com : "Olympic History of Djibouti"
- sports-reference.com : "Omar Moussa Bio, Stats, and Results"
- sports-reference.com : "Athletics at the 1988 Seoul Summer Games: Men's 1,500 metres"
- sports-reference.com : "Athletics at the 1988 Seoul Summer Games: Men's 5,000 metres"