The 1980 Moscow Olympics were disrupted by another boycott, this one led by US President Jimmy Carter, part of a package of actions to protest the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

With his eyes on the upcoming presidential election and his pride on the line, Carter engaged in extensive arm-twisting to get other nations to support the boycott.

Some governments, such as those of Great Britain and Australia, supported the boycott, but allowed the athletes to decide for themselves if they wanted to go to Moscow.

No such freedom of choice was allowed US athletes, as Carter threatened to revoke the passport of any athlete who tried to travel to the USSR.

Certain sports, such as yachting, equestrian events, field hockey, and men's swimming were bit particularly hard by the boycott.

Yet the Games proceeded with much pomp and more world records than had been set in 1976.

Security precautions were paranoically thorough, with track and field winners physically prevented from taking victory laps.

Meanwhile, the Soviet spectators gave the worst impression of any host city since the Paris Olympics of 1924.

With traditional Olympic powers West Germany, Japan, and the United States missing, some Soviet fans took out their aggressions by booing and heckling the Poles and East Germans.