Solomon Islands at the 1996 Summer Olympics

The National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands was recognized by the International Olympic Committee on 31 December 1982.^[2] Having participated in the 1984, 1988, and 1992 Summer Olympics, the Atlanta Olympics were their fourth appearance in Olympic competition.^[3] The 1996 Summer Olympics were held from 19 July to 4 August 1996; 10,318 athletes represented 194 National Olympic Committees.^[4] The Solomon Islands' delegation to Atlanta consisted of four athletes, three in track and field: Selwyn Kole, Primo Higa, and Nester Geniwala'a; and one in weightlifting: Tony Analau.^[5]

Selwyn Kole was 22 years old at the time of the Atlanta Olympics, and was making his Olympic debut.^[6] In the first round of the men's 1500 meters, held on 29 July, he was drawn into heat five.^[7] He finished in a time of 4 minutes and 3.44 seconds, 12th and last in his heat, and insufficient to advance to the next round.^[8] Primo Higa was 23 years old at the time.^[9] On 29 July, in the first round of the men's 3000 meters steeplechase he failed to finish the race and was eliminated from the competition.^[10][11] Higa would return four years later to represent the Solomon Islands at the 2000 Summer Olympics.^[9] Nester Geniwala'a was 19 years of age at the time, and making her Olympic debut.^[12] In the first round of the women's 100 meters on 26 July, she was drawn into heat six. She finished the heat in 13.74 seconds, eighth in her heat.^[13] Only the top four from each heat plus to next four overall fastest could advance, and she was eliminated.^[14]

Tony Analau was 27 years old at the time of the Atlanta Olympics, and was making his Olympic debut.^[15] He competed in the men's under 64 kilograms category on 22 July. In the snatch he failed all three attempts to lift 80 kilograms, and was eliminated from the competition.^[16][17]