[3] Thirty-eight of the Portuguese athletes had competed in Beijing, including sailor Gustavo Lima, who had finished fourth in men's Laser class, and race walker Ana Cabecinha, who had set a national record for her sporting event.

Meanwhile, former middle-distance runner Luís Feiteira made his Olympic comeback in London to compete in the men's marathon after a sixteen-year absence.

Judoka Telma Monteiro, who claimed two titles each in World Cup, and in the European championships, became Portugal's first female flag bearer at the opening ceremony since 1996.

Portugal left London with only a silver medal, won by sprint kayak pair Emanuel Silva and Fernando Pimenta.

Notable absences included the defending champion Nelson Évora in the men's triple jump, triathlete Vanessa Fernandes, former medalists Francis Obikwelu and Rui Silva, and long jumper Naide Gomes.