Venezuela competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, from 13 to 29 August 2004. This was the nation's fifteenth consecutive appearance at the Olympics, since its debut in 1948. A total of 48 athletes, 33 men and 15 women, competed in 15 sports.
Venezuela left Athens with its first Olympic medal since 1984 and eighth overall in history. It was awarded to weightlifter Israel José Rubio, who earned the bronze in the men's 62 kg class.[1]
Venezuelan athletes have so far achieved qualifying standards in the following athletics events (up to a maximum of 3 athletes in each event at the 'A' Standard, and 1 at the 'B' Standard).[2][3]
Venezuela sent seven boxers to Athens. Five of them lost their first matches, while the two in the heavier weight classes each won their first round (one by walkover, however) before falling in their second match.
Unai Etxebarría was the most notable Venezuelan cyclist at the 2004 Olympics, as he joined a leading group of 10 at the 146 kilometre mark of the men's road race, later attacked this group, leading to the formation of a group of 6 at the start of lap 13 (160 kilometres) before being caught by the peloton at the 185 kilometre mark, with Etxebarría finishing in the middle of the pack.
Venezuela has qualified a single diver.
Venezuela has qualified four fencers.
Venezuelan has qualified nine judoka (five men and four women).
Venezuela has qualified a single boat in men's mistral.
Venezuelan swimmers earned qualifying standards in the following events (up to a maximum of 2 swimmers in each event at the A-standard time, and 1 at the B-standard time):
Venezuela has qualified a spot in the women's tennis.
Venezuela has qualified a single athlete in men's triathlon.
Venezuela has qualified three men in weightlifting.