 The British Virgin Islands took part in the 2008 Summer Olympics , which were held in Beijing , China from 8 to 24 August 2008 . The dependency 's participation at Beijing marked its seventh consecutive appearance in the summer Olympics since its debut in 1984 , and its eighth Olympic appearance ever . The British Virgin Islander delegation included two athletes in 2008 participating in two distinct events in one sport : discus thrower Eric Matthias and sprinter Tahesia Harrigan . Of the athletes , Harrigan was the flagbearer and the first female Olympian to participate on behalf of the British Virgin Islands in its entire history . Overall , Harrigan advanced to quarterfinals in her event , although neither athlete medaled . 
