Changes in the Western World: Soviets Announce Boycott of 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles

In the Western World, the Soviet Union announced their withdrawal from the 1984 summer Olympic games to be held in Los Angeles. Not surprising to many after the United States had boycotted the 1980 Olympic Games in Moscow. Prior to the Soviets announcing their withdrawal from the Olympic Games 13 other communist nations also withdrew from these Games.

The Soviet Union made this announcement under the premise that their Olympians may be under danger of physical attacks and possible protests. They do not believe the United States government will provide adequate protection for their Olympians. The Soviet government issued a statement claiming, “It is known from the very first days of preparations for the present Olympics the American administration has sought to set course at using the Games for its political aims. Chauvinistic sentiments and anti-Soviet hysteria are being whipped up in this country.” It was felt by the United States that this was also a response to the Cold War support given to the Muslims by the United States.  President Ronald Reagan responded, saying the Soviet Union’s response was “a blatant political decision for which there was no real justification.”

The result of the lack of competition from the Soviet Union, East Germany, and the other communist nations ended with the United States taking a record 83 gold metals. Diplomatically the political retribution had very little impact. Conversely, China for the first time since 1932 agreed to participate in the summer Olympic Games being held in Los Angeles.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soviets-announce-boycott-of-1984-olympics

http://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2013/jul/30/russia-boycotts-los-angeles-olympic-games