The country sent four athletes to the Games across three sports and four distinct events (Gordon Heather and Tereapii Tapoki in track and field, Petero Okotai in swimming, and Sam Pera, Jr. in weightlifting).

The country is in a free association with New Zealand, who handles the nation's external affairs.

[2] Gordon Heather was the sole male Cook Islander participating in a track event at the Beijing Olympics, marked by his competition in the men's 100 meters dash.

Born on Rarotonga, the most populous of the Cook Islands and the home to its capital city (district), Heather was 18 years old when he participated in the Beijing Olympic.

[4] During the 14 August qualification round, Heather participated in the ninth heat, which included eight athletes.

Overall, 80 athletes competed in the event's qualification round, and the Cook Islander sprinter ranked 75th.

During the first attempt, Tapoki threw the discus 46.77 meters, placing 12th out of the 19 competitors in her heat.

[7] Petero Okotai participated on the Cook Islands' behalf in the men's 100 meters breaststroke.

[8] During the preliminary rounds, which took place on 9 August, the Cook Islander participated in the first heat, which included three people.

[9] Sam Pera, Jr. was the only Cook Islander participating in weightlifting during the Beijing Olympics.

[10] Sam Pera, Jr. participated in men's _105kg (heavyweight) at age 19, which marked the first time he competed in any Olympic games.