On Wednesday 30th July, Federal Parliament in Canberra recognised the 1980 Australian Olympic Team, 45 years since the controversial Games. This Olympic Team defied intense public pressure to take part in the Moscow Games. The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader were part of the contingent to celebrate the 1980 Olympic Team as well as acknowledge those athletes who were denied the opportunity to compete.
Around 50 Moscow Olympians, including Rifle athlete Yvonne Hill who now at the age of 87, was the oldest athlete to travel to Canberra to partake in the recognition. Yvonne was one of the only two Australian Shooting Athletes to compete in Moscow. Hill placed 11th overall in the 50m Rifle Prone Event (Open), and teammate, David Hollister (dec.) placed 15th.
Australian Olympic Committee President, Ian Chesterman said: “The parliamentary recognition will acknowledge the courage and resilience of the Olympians who faced intense public pressure not to compete, and the enduring hurt and pain many of them still feel to this day.”
Australian remains as one of only two countries to compete in every iteration of the Olympic Games.
Read more about the event here: https://www.olympics.com.au/news/moscow-olympic-team-recognised-by-federal-parliament-for-a-welcome-home-45-years-on/
