Why do communist countries compete in the Olympics?

China and Cuba trying to win medals all the time. The old USSR used to do it to.

Why tho? Surely they should just tell all their athletes that they all came 4th and that's just how it is.

Reply 1

vapordave

Why not

Reply 2

londonmyst

I used to wonder why they don't just organise their own comrades mini-olympics where every contestant wins gold.

Reply 3

Rufus The Red

Because they are communist superhumans and must prove that they are better than capitalist scum so that all turn to the greatness of communism!

Reply 4

04MR17

Volunteer Section Leader, Clearing and Applications Advisor

As above, it's about a show of strength and about patriotism.
Being a communist doesn't stop you being proud of your country.

Huge celebrations if the Cubans beat an American in the boxing, for example.