Kaitinano Mwemweata fell ill and did not participate in the Olympics, and was treated for tuberculosis instead. Her withdrawal left Kiribati with one representative in athletics. Rabangaki Nawai was entered in the 100 meter and 200 meter sprint events. Nawai ran a personal season's best time of 11.29 seconds in the first round of the 100 meter sprint. He had the fastest reaction time in the heat, but placed last, and failed to progress to the next round. He did not run in the 200 meter competition for undisclosed reasons.