In 1980 and 1984, the US and USSR traded boycotts of the Summer Games.
The US boycott of the 1980 Moscow games was in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan; the USSR reciprocated for the 1984 LA Games (supposedly due to security concerns).
A few final highlights as we close out the Olympics:
The U.S. Hockey team won the 1980 Gold after defeating the USSR in the Miracle on Ice match in the semifinal round. Here are a few clips ...
Herb Brooks (as played by Kurt Russell) in the pregame speech before the Americans played the heavily favored Soviets.
Mike Eruzione's game-winning third period goal that put the Americans up 4-3 (at around 3:30 mark on video).
Al Michael's famous "Do You Believe In Miracles" call at the end of the game.
In 1984, Mary Lou Retton became the first American gymnast (and gymnast of any nation outside Eastern Europe) to win the women's all-around competition.
Here is her famous gold-medal winning vault.
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