In 1980, the Olympic Games were first held on the territory of the Soviet Union - in Moscow. This decision by the International Olympic Committee caused serious controversy and eventually led to a split in the Olympic movement.
The decision to hold the Olympics in Moscow was made back in 1974. These games were to be the first to be organized on the territory of a socialist state. However, it was not without political confrontation. In 1979, the Soviet Union brought its troops into Afghanistan, which became the official reason for the US boycott of the games. In reality, the confrontation between the USSR and the United States had deeper roots and was not limited to the framework of the Afghan war.
Following the example of the United States, the games were boycotted by another 64 states. These were mainly NATO countries, such as Turkey, Germany, Japan and others. Several national teams of European countries were present, but in a reduced composition and under the Olympic, not the national flag.
In total, teams from 80 countries took part in the Moscow Olympics. States such as Jordan, Mozambique, Laos, Angola, Botswana and Seychelles sent their athletes to the games for the first time.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the games were very well organized. A bet was placed on living pictures. For example, many people in one of the stands were able to depict the symbol of the 1980 Olympics - a bear. Numerous art groups, famous Soviet athletes of the past and even cosmonauts took part in the opening of the games.
The first place in the unofficial medal standings was taken by the national team of the Soviet Union. This was understandable, since its main rival - the US team - boycotted the games. Most of the medals were received by Soviet weightlifters, gymnasts, swimmers and wrestlers. The men's basketball team also received gold medals.
The second was the GDR team, traditionally showing a high level of athletes' training at the Olympic Games. The Germans became the undisputed leaders in rowing and swimming. Several medals were awarded to German gymnasts and cyclists.
