Atmosphere Lacking (Press, 31 July 1980)

The 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow are notably missing a significant American presence due to the boycott led by the United States in protest against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. This absence has cast a shadow over the Games, with some observers lamenting the lack of energy and excitement typically associated with the Olympics. A veteran of several Olympic events noted that the heart and folklore of the Games are lacking, not just in the stadiums where records are often broken but in the streets where the atmosphere usually thrives. Moscow is experiencing an unusual calm during the Olympics, as many locals are away on vacation or at pioneer camps, and the number of provincial visitors who usually flock to the city has been drastically reduced due to restrictions. The usual hustle and bustle are replaced by a quieter city, with many cars parked at home since they lack the necessary Olympic passes. Tourist buses filled with the 150,000 Western visitors who have not boycotted the Games traverse the city, offering uncommon experiences of Moscow. However, increased security and limited interactions with locals have turned this visit into a somewhat sterile affair. Souvenirs for tourists are not abundant, primarily consisting of keyrings and T-shirts featuring the Olympic bear mascot, often sold at inflated prices. While contact with the local population is theoretically allowed, it is challenging due to restrictions that mandate passes for entering hotels and the Olympic village, which is heavily guarded. The Olympic village itself is tightly controlled, with various religious spaces for athletes to pray before competing, yet the environment is devoid of spontaneity and freedom of expression. Incidents highlighting the restrictions on expression occurred, such as when a demonstration by an Italian homosexual in Red Square was swiftly quelled by police. This serves as a reminder of the Soviet stance on the intersection of sports and politics, leading to quick and forceful reactions against any dissent. Even eccentric visitors, such as an American with a rainbow hairstyle, were promptly removed from the premises. Despite the absence of American athletes, television broadcasts proclaim the success of the Games, maintaining a façade of excitement. The impressive organisational efficiency, modern stadiums, and cultural allure of Moscow's museums and attractions are being highlighted, leaving the impression that everything is functioning well. This apparent success even seemingly allows Soviet President Leonid Brezhnev to enjoy his summer holiday at a Black Sea resort, while the Olympics continue under a cloud of mixed emotions and international tension.

The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact

The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand