High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Great Britain and Northern Ireland (the name under which the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland competes at the Olympics) sent a wide-ranging delegation to the 2004 Summer Olympics, continuing its ubiquitous presence in the Olympic games — the only country to have sent competitors to every summer and winter games since the birth of the modern Olympics in 1896. Great Britain`s 271 athletes competed in 22 disciplines throughout the two-week event. The team entered the opening ceremony behind the Union Flag carried by judoka Kate Howey. Double gold medal winner Kelly Holmes carried the flag at the closing ceremony.