In 1980, a unique sports and political event took place - Moscow became the capital of the Olympic Games, the first city in a socialist state to act in this capacity. However, this decision of the International Olympic Committee provoked the discontent of the political opponents of the USSR.
Some representatives of the Soviet government came up with the idea of holding the Olympics in Moscow back in the 60s. However, for the first time, the Soviet application was rejected. Moscow's repeated offer to host the Olympic Games ended with the victory of the USSR.
The decision to hold the Olympics in the USSR initially did not suit some politicians in the United States. After the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, relations between the two superpowers have deteriorated even more. As a result, the political leadership of the United States decided to boycott the games in the USSR. His example was followed by another 64 countries, mainly members of the NATO bloc. At the same time, some European states, for example, Great Britain and France, officially boycotted the games, but allowed their athletes to participate in competitions under the Olympic flag.
The games in Moscow were organized at a very high level. Particular attention was paid to safety. Part of the population, which the police attributed to unreliable elements, was generally expelled from the capital for a while.
The opening and closing ceremonies of the games were remembered by the audience for their solemnity. Not only artists performed at them. A lot of outside people were involved to create living pictures.
The Olympic bear became the symbol of the Olympics, whose images could be seen on clothes and souvenirs.
The first place in the medal standings, as expected, was taken by the Soviet Union. Most of the gold medals were received by Soviet gymnasts and athletes. This was due not only to the fact that some of the best athletes in the world were included in the national team, but also to the fact that the main competitor in these sports - the United States - boycotted the games. Also, Soviet weightlifters and wrestlers showed themselves excellently.
The GDR national team took the second place with a significant lag. The team of swimmers of this country performed especially well, becoming the best in the world in the 80s.
