1980 Moscow Olympics: The Reunion
Sue MacGregor and Steve Cram Audio Book

In 1979, the British team was in training for the following year's Olympics when Russia invaded Afghanistan. President Carter, backed by Margaret Thatcher, urged athletes to boycott the event, and the worlds of politics and sport seemed caught in a headlock. This fascinating programme sees Sue MacGregor reuniting members of the British Olympic team as they recall that controversial year. Duncan Goodhew, Joslyn Hoyte-Smith and Colin Moynihan faced personal dilemmas about competing in the face of political opposition. Team leader Dick Palmer carried the flag alone into the Olympic stadium, and as the hate mail stacked up, coach Frank Dick did his best to shield the athletes from the pressures. Together, they reminisce about the difficult decisions they made and ultimately the triumph of a record-breaking British medals haul. This edition of BBC Radio 4_x001A_s Reunion was recorded in July 2005, just after the UK won the 2012 Olympic bid.