It was the summer of 1980, and the Olympics were nearing in Moscow. The planet was facing a crisis. The Games were in danger. The USA responded by placing sanctions on the USSR and boycotting the Games. It was a framework set up by African nations during the 1976 Games that utilized the influence of sports to combat a worldwide injustice. In December 1979, the USSR invaded Afghanistan and occupied the Asian nation. At that time, Jimmy Carter was the President of the United States. Among other measures, he prevented American athletes from participating in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. The 183 American athletes had to sacrifice their aspirations of becoming Olympians, losing out on the wealth, influence, and fame that typically accompanied this rare opportunity. All of this for a cause that is not directly related to sports. Also Read: Eagles New Coach – Wickedness or Genius – Odegbami. The ‘innocent’ USA athletes made a significant sacrifice, especially given that there was another option available.
