Suriname (SUR)

The National Olympic Committee (NOC) of Suriname was formed in 1956, but as only the national football federation was affiliated with the NOC, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) rejected recognition. After more federations became affiliated recognition by the IOC followed on 25 May 1959 at the IOC Session in München. Suriname has competed at 12 Olympic Games since its début in 1968, missing only the 1980 Moskva Olympics. In 1960, Suriname sent one athlete to the Olympics, Wim Essajas. Essajas was entered in the 800 metres but, after being told the heats were in the afternoon, slept through the heats which were held that morning. One Surinamese athlete, Anthony Nesty, is responsible for both medals won at the Olympics by the South American country. A swimmer, Nesty won a gold medal in the 1988 100 metre butterfly – in a shock upset over Matt Biondi – and a bronze medal in the same event in 1992.