British West Indies at the 1960 Summer Olympics — Participation to 1960 Olympics
The West Indies Federation's sole Olympic appearance in 1960 resulted in two bronze medals before member nations competed independently.
Key Facts
- Total competitors
- 13 male athletes
- Contributing territories
- Barbados (2), Trinidad (4), Jamaica (7)
- Events entered
- 13 events in 5 sports
- Medals won
- 2 bronze medals (track and field)
- Olympic appearances
- 1 (1960 only)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The West Indies Federation, formed in 1958, sought international representation for its member territories of Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica. The IOC recognised the federation under the name British West Indies (BWI), allowing the short-lived political union to field a combined team at the Rome Games.
Thirteen male athletes from Barbados, Trinidad, and Jamaica competed under the British West Indies banner at the 1960 Summer Olympics in Rome, participating in thirteen events across five sports. The team earned two bronze medals, both in track and field athletics, marking the federation's only Olympic appearance.
The West Indies Federation dissolved before the next Games, ending the combined team. Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago competed as independent nations from 1964 onward, while Barbados made its independent Olympic debut at the 1968 Games, making the 1960 Rome appearance unique in Olympic history.
Result
at Rome, Italy (1960 Summer Olympics)