Portuguese discovery of the sea route to India of the "São Gabriel" and its sister ship, the "São Rafael" that were used by Vasco da Gama to sail past the Cape of Good Hope and continue to India. One of the sailors, Bartolomeu Dias passed the southernmost point of Africa known as the Cape of Good Hope in 1488. He declared it possible to travel to India by going around Africa. The Portuguese were then able to make an immense profit by using their own ships to retrieve the spices. This global expedition was launched on 8 July 1497. It concluded two years later with the entry of
Portugal at the 2004 Summer Olympics 'A' Standard, and 1 at the 'B' Standard). Four Portuguese judoka (three men and one woman) qualified for the 2004 Summer Olympics. Portuguese sailors have qualified one boat for each of the following events. Two Portuguese shooters qualified to compete in the following events: Portuguese swimmers earned qualifying standards in the following events (up to a maximum of 2 swimmers in each event at the A-standard time, and 1 at the B-standard time): Portugal sent a single triathlete to Athens. Portugal at the 2004 Summer Olympics Portugal competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, from 13 to 29