Jimmy Carter's Boycott Discussion

In 1979 Soviet Union sent troops to prop up a communist regime in Afghanistan. In response, Jimmy Carter issued an ultimatum to the Soviet leadership. This stated the United States would boycott the Moscow Olympics if Soviet troops did not withdraw from Afghanistan. When it became clear that Soviet leaders remained adamant, Carter followed through on his threat.
Ultimately sixty five countries joined the United States in the boycott. United Kingdom, France and Australia supported the boycott but allowed their athletes to participate on an individual basis. The final decision to participate in the Games belonged to their respective National Olympic Committees. The United Kingdom and France sent a much smaller delegation of athletes than usual.