While training at Chao Anouvong Stadium, the Laotian runners used concrete barbell weights made from paint cans and tires. These weights were joined together with beams from scaffolding. For the 2012 Olympics, Kilakone Siphonexay and Laenly Phoutthavong represented the country in athletics while Phathana Inthavong competed in swimming. With an average age of eighteen, Laos had the youngest team at the 2012 Olympics. Competing in his first Olympics, Siphonexay was the flag bearer for Laos at the opening and closing ceremonies. Phoutthavong and Inthavong also went to their first Olympics in 2012.