sentences:  While the GDR, a small state with a population of about 16 million, has a short history, and even a shorter history at the Olympics, it was extremely successful.From 1976 to 1988, it came second in all three of their summer Olympics, behind the Soviet Union, and well ahead of larger West Germany.This was improved upon at five winter games, with 4 second-place rankings and a first in the 1984 Winter Olympics.