On August 3rd, 1980, in Moscow, USSR, the first Olympic games ever to be held in Eastern Europe and in a socialist country came

On August 3rd, 1980, in Moscow, USSR, the first Olympic games ever to be held in Eastern Europe and in a socialist country came to an end. These games were boycotted by 65 countries, including the USA, Canada, West Germany, Turkey, Egypt, Japan, South Korea, China, and many others. Predictably, the Soviet Union won the overall medal count for gold, silver, and bronze. The touching closing ceremony concluded with the release of the games’ mascot, Mishka, in the air. The giant figure soared over the Olympic stadium, leaving many attendants and TV viewers in tears. Source: Putinger’s Cat / Кот Путингера