One of the great nations of the Gulf has been turned upside down by an evil dictator and his family. Iraq was once a wonderful and prosperous country that had a lot going for itself. When Saddam Hussein took over not only did he ruin the country’s government, but he managed to ruin the lives of the citizens as well. Putting his son in charge of the country’s Olympic athletes brought further destruction to the country.

Iraq first participated in the Olympics in 1948. It may seem that Iraq has sat out more Olympics over the years than they have actually participated. The country did not participate in the 1952, 1956, 1972 and 1976 games, boycotting all for one reason or the other, but have participated in all games since 1980. When they do participate they have not been too successful, Iraq has only won one medal in their history of participating. Abdul Wahid Aziz was the victor of a bronze medal in Weightlifting in the 1960 games.

Despite little success in the Olympics, Iraq used to be a country that could take pride in its sports and athletes. But the country’s athletes have been forced to sacrifice so much over the last 20 years. How can they train when their safety is in question or when they are worried about the safety of their family? Changes are coming to country, it will take time, but eventually Iraq will return to the country it once was.