Nukuri first competed in the Olympics at the age of 15 , running the 5,000 meters at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney . She finished 14th in her heat but did not advance to the finals . She returned to the Olympics twelve years later , competing in the women 's marathon . She finished in 31st place , setting another Burundian National Record ( she owned the previous mark in the marathon ) in 2:30:13 , . 118 runners started the race , and 107 finished . Nukuri was also the flag-bearer for Burundi , leading the country 's six athletes at the opening ceremony . Nukuri also carried the flag in Sydney
opening ceremony
2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony
Diane Nukuri