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Page last updated at 07:32 GMT, Friday, 8 August 2008 08:32 UK

Opening ceremony: Moscow's Mischa
Moscow Olympic mascot Mischa the bear at the opening ceremony in 1980

The 1980 Moscow Olympics were hit by an American-led boycott of over 60 countries protesting against the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.

Britain sent a team, but were one of 15 to protest by marching into the opening ceremony under the Olympic Flag rather than their national one.

Part of the Lenin Stadium was transformed into alternating pictures, made by using colourful scarves, a visual display that was traditional during mass communist rallies.

At one point, Mischa, the Games' mascot, was unveiled, although she is better remembered for her closing ceremony tear.



related internet links:
1980 Olympics
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