Bolivia competed at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, United States. The nation returned to the Summer Games after participating in the American-led boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics. Eleven competitors, ten men and one woman, took part in eleven events in six sports.
Prior to the Games On June 3, 1984, Bolivian President Hernán Siles Zuazo stated in a communique that Bolivia's 14 member delegation would not be allowed to travel to L.A. for the Games due to an economic crisis. The decision sparked widespread protest among Bolivian sports officials and members of Bolivia's political opposition, who charged the real motive was pressure from the Bolivian Communist Partyat that time a member of the government's ruling coalitionto join the Soviet led boycott. The decision was rescinded once sufficient funding was achieved, however, when an article written by Tony Kornheiser of The Washington Post making light of poverty in Bolivia caused indignation from Bolivians believing the article "offended the dignity of our country", President Zuazo declared a boycott of the Games. After The Washington Post issued an editorial apology, President Zuazo reversed the boycott decision, and eleven athletes from Bolivia eventually competed at the Games.
Athletics
Men's Marathon Juan Camacho Final — 2:21:04 (→ 38th place)
Men's 20 km Walk Oswaldo Morejón Final — 1:44:42 (→ 36th place)
Men's 50 km Walk Osvaldo Morejón Final — DNF (→ no ranking)
Women's Marathon Nelly Chávez Final — 2:51:35 (→ 42nd place)
Boxing
Men's Flyweight (– 51 kg) René Centellas First Round — Lost to Jeff Fenech (AUS), RSC-3
Men's Heavyweight (– 91 kg) Marvin Perez First Round — Bye Second Round — Scheduled to fight Henry Tillman (USA), but sustained a broken hand beforehand and withdrew.
Fencing
One male fencer represented Bolivia in 1984.
Men's foil Saúl Mendoza
Men's épée Saúl Mendoza
Judo
Men's Competition Edgar Claure
Shooting
Men's Competition Javier Asbun Víctor Hugo Campos Luis Gamarra Mauricio Kattan
Wrestling
Men's Competition Leonardo Camacho
References
External links Official Olympic Reports