For the first time, in an effort to promote gender equality, two flagbearers, one male and one female were allowed at the Olympics.

[2] 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.

Colleen Furgeson participating in the women's 100 metre freestyle was making her second consecutive appearance at the Summer Olympics.

[13] Like Kinono, Furgeson qualified after receiving a universality place from FINA, her personal best time of 59.10 seconds was outside the "A" and "B" qualification standard.

[10][11] Furgeson took part in heat two of the women's 100 m freestyle, which was held on 28 July, finishing fifth out of eight swimmers that competed, with a time of 58.71 seconds.