It has participated in every Games of the Olympiad since that time, excluding those held in 1976 and 1980, when the nation joined the American-led boycott in protest of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

The Comité Olímpico de El Salvador was created in 1925 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1938.

[18] El Salvador's presence was much reduced when the nation sent only 11 athletes to the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, West Germany.

[21] These athletes competed in swimming and shooting events, marking the lowest number of contested sports in El Salvador's Olympic history.

Long-distance runner Kriscia García was chosen to carry her nation's flag during the opening ceremony.

Swimmer María José Marenco was selected to carry her nation's flag during the opening ceremony.

[18] El Salvador competed in more sports at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China, than at any other games in their history.

[18] Ten Salvadorian athletes were sent to represent their nation at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, United Kingdom.

[30] The nation had representation in seven sports: athletics, rowing, swimming, cycling, judo, shooting, and weightlifting.