Only two of the nine-person Senegalese athletics team managed to make it through the first round of their respective events. This included Fatou Bintou Fall, African champion in the 400 metres, but not 2001 World Champion Amy Thiam. Neither of the athletes who advanced managed to make into a medal final, and the top finish was Fall's 12th in the women's 400 metres.
Two Senegalese fencers went to Athens, but only one actually competed in her match, losing handily in the opening round. Neither fencer had a world ranking from the FIE, and so both were the lowest seeds in their respective draws.
The lone Senegalese judoka at the Games fought a close bout with the eventual silver medalist in the second round, but eventually lost, and then lost her first round repechage match on a pair of lower value 'yuko' scores. Diedhiou survived the full five minutes in both her bouts, the only woman in her class to do so.