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While a fairly respectable men's track meet can be imagined without the absentees, the spectators may not know it. American Carl Lewis hoped to be the most regal figure of the most handsome Games, to sweep the Olympics like Jesse Owens. If the heart has left the Games, how will Lewis summon his best? "In my events [100 and 200 meters, the long jump, the relay] the Soviets are not a factor," he said helplessly, "but I'm not sure the public realizes it. They might think, 'Oh, he won, but the Soviets weren't there.' They may think it means less." Even his long-jumping sister, Carol, said, "If they don't come to the Games, I don't consider it the real Olympics. As far as I'm concerned, last year's world championships were the real Olympics. This summer is now just another big meet."
In swimming, the men will especially miss the Soviets, the women the East Germans. Just the thought of a gymnastics meet without any new Olga Korbuts is forlorn. While the Chinese may argue slightly, the tumbling men from the U.S.S.R. are dominant, and the girl-women supreme. Boxing's forecast depends on what the Cubans will do. For some reason, the spirit of boxers is seldom blunted. They generally come from the worst circumstances with the brightest outlooks. "The Russians just made it easier for me to get my gold," said Paul Gonzales, 20, a flyweight from a Los Angeles barrio. "They can be very tough people to fight—they're awkward and keep coming at you." Should Cuba demur as well, Gonzales will be consolable. Also elegant Cuban Heavyweight Teofileo Stevenson, 33, would not be coming after his fourth consecutive gold medal.
Although the Soviet men's basketball team is rated behind the Americans and the Italians, U.S. spectators always savor a Russian match above all. In women's basketball, without the U.S.S.R. around, the Americans become the favorites. Archery, cycling, fencing, judo, shooting, soccer, team handball, volleyball, water polo, weight lifting, wrestling and the pentathlon are markedly affected; diving, dressage, synchronized swimming, field hockey and yachting appear unspoiled.
Comments from the lost athletes were sparse. The heartbreak of Kratochvilova, heroine of last summer's Helsinki championships, could be imagined. At 32, this seemed her last golden chance. If no one else would speak, the Poles raised their voices. "I don't know what is the situation with the Soviets," said Pentathlon Champion Janusz Peciak, 36, who expected to crown his career in Los Angeles. "I've been many times in the U.S. and there was never any problem with security." Pole Vaulter Wladyslaw Kozakiewicz agreed: "Nobody thinks it will be a plus forthe socialist countries not to go. For me, it was the last opportunity in my life. Each of us has lost heart. There is enormous sorrow." Triple Jumper Zdzislaw Hoffman moaned, "It is like a knife in the back."