Benin at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Benin took part in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, from August 8 to August 24, 2008. This was Benin's eighth time in a row competing in the Summer Olympics, starting from its first appearance in 1972. In total, Benin had joined the Olympic Games nine times by then.

Five athletes from Benin competed in three different sports: athletics, swimming, and taekwondo. Fabienne Feraez, a sprinter, was chosen to carry the country's flag during the opening ceremony. Even though the athletes gave their best efforts, none of them moved past the preliminary rounds in their events.

Background

Benin took part in eight summer Olympic Games from its first appearance in the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich up until the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Back then, Benin was called Dahomey and sent two athletes to compete. In 2008, five athletes from Benin joined the games. They competed in track and field with Fabienne Feraez and Mathieu Gnanligo, swimming with Alos Dansou and Gloria Koussihouede, and taekwondo with Jean Moloise Ogoudjobi. Benin was also the first country to arrive and raise its flag at the Olympic Village.

Athletics

Main article: Athletics at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Benin had two athletes in the athletics events at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Mathieu Gnanligo, who won a bronze medal at the 2007 All-Africa Games, ran in the 400 meters. This was his first time at the Olympics. He finished seventh in his heat and did not move on to the next round.

Fabienne Feraez, who was 32 years old and competing in her second Olympics, ran in the 200 meters. She finished last in her heat and did not advance either.

Men

Women

Swimming

Main article: Swimming at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Benin had two swimmers at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Alois Dansou competed in the men's 50 meters freestyle. He finished first in his heat but did not move on to the semi-finals. Gloria Koussihouede swam in the women's 50 meters freestyle. She also finished second in her heat but did not qualify for the semi-finals.

Men

Women

Taekwondo

Main article: Taekwondo at the 2008 Summer Olympics

Benin had one taekwondo athlete in the 2008 Olympics. His name was Jean Moloise Ogoudjobi, and he was 28 years old. This was his first time in the Olympic Games. He competed against an athlete from Thailand in the first round but did not move on to the next stage.

Men

Athlete	Event	Round of 16	Quarterfinals	Semifinals	Repechage	Bronze Medal	Final
		Opposition Result	Opposition Result	Opposition Result	Opposition Result	Opposition Result	Opposition Result	Rank
Jean Moloise Ogoudjobi	Men's −58 kg	Khawlaor (THA) L 2–4	Did not advance