The island nation was controlled by the United States, and prior to that by Japan and Germany at different times in its history, until gaining its sovereignty.

In 1986 the Compact of Free Association with the United States entered into force, granting the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) its sovereignty.

[9] Roman Cress competed in the men's 100 meters, where he finished eighth out of the nine athletes in his heat, failing to advance to the next round.

[11] Haley Nemra competed in the women's 800 meters, where she finished seventh out of the eight athletes in her heat, failing to advance to the next round.

[12] Note–Ranks given for track events are within the athlete's heat only The Marshall Islands were represented by two swimmers at the 2008 Summer Olympics, one male Jared Heine and one female Julianne Kirchner.

[9] Jared Heine competed in the men's 100 meter backstroke and finished third in his heat, placing forty-third in the standings.

[6] Julianne Kirchner competed in the women's 50 meter freestyle and finished fourth in her heat, placing seventy-fifth in the standings.

[9][21] Anju Jason competed in the men's welterweight division, where he was one of six athletes eliminated in tier eleven.