Moscow
1980

British Duel

British middle-distance runners Steve Ovett and Sebastian Coe faced each other in a memorable confrontation. In the 800m, Ovett won the gold medal ahead of his compatriot. Six days later, a determined Coe redeemed himself in the 1500m. He took the gold, while Ovett managed only a bronze.

Last-Minute Gold

The boycott deprived the inaugural women’s field hockey tournament of all of its entrants except the hosts, USSR. Zimbabwe responded to a late invitation, selecting members less than a week before the Games and rushing to Moscow, then surprised everyone by finishing first.

NOCs: 80

Athletes: 5,179 (1,115 women, 4,064 men)

Events: 203

Volunteers: N/A

Media: 5,615 media (2,865 written press, 2,930 broadcasters)

The Twins’ Victory

Observers of the medal ceremony for the men’s coxless pairs rowing event might have been excused for rubbing their eyes. Both the gold and silver-medal winning teams were comprised of identical twins. Bernd and Jorg Landvoigt of East Germany took first place, while Yuri and Nikolai Pimenov of Russia finished second.

In a Socialist Country

The Olympic Games are held in a socialist country for the first time ever.

Misha is Sad

During the closing ceremony, Misha the bear, Olympic mascot of the 1980 Moscow Games, appears with a tear in its eye.

Ceremonies

19 July 1980, Moscow. Human pyramids and mosaic.

Official Opening of the Games by:

President Leonid Brezhnev

Lighting the Olympic Flame by:

Sergei Belov (basketball)

Olympic Oath by:

Nikolay Andrianov (artistic gymnastics)

Officials' Oath by:

Aleksandr Medved (wrestling)