South Sudan was recommended for Olympic recognition by the International Olympic Committee executive board Tuesday, paving the way for the war-torn nation to send a team to the Olympics for the first time at Rio 2016.
South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011.
The IOC will vote on South Sudan to officially become the 206th member country, following Kosovo’s recognition in December.
South Sudanese marathon runner Guor Marial finished 47th at London 2012 under the IOC flag.
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