Olympic bear as a symbol and amulet of the 1980 Summer Olympics

The summer of 1980 for the USSR and many of its cities has become a landmark. It was at this time in the Soviet Union that the XXII Summer Olympic Games were held. This Olympiad became famous for the fact that more than 50 countries refused to take part in it. This was due to the entry of Soviet troops into the territory of Afghanistan. Despite this, some athletes from the boycotted games of the countries nevertheless came to the capital of the USSR and took part in the games.

The Olympic bear was the symbol of the Olympics in Moscow. The author of this character is the illustrator of children's books Viktor Chizhikov. Bear Mishka author affectionately nicknamed Mikhail Potapich Toptygin. This character remains to this day in Russia and far beyond its borders one of the most beloved heroes. The Committee on organizing the Olympics in Moscow has chosen this animal as a talisman. Bear had such qualities as perseverance, strength, endurance and courage, which are inherent in any athlete.

The Organizing Committee of the Olympics received more than 40 thousand drawings depicting bears. But I could not choose a suitable option for a very long time. After all, artists were not just waiting for an ordinary aggressive bear, but for an affectionate and kind animal, who at the same time knows how to stand up for himself. It was such a beast and became an Olympic bear.

Victor Chizhikov portrayed Potapych with a smile on his face, with kind eyes. And the employees of the Moscow Zoo even determined the age of the bear cub - only 3 months.

The Olympic bear was not only a favorite of the Olympiad participants, but also received the national recognition of the fans. The creator of the sports symbol told that he was sent letters from fans of Toptygin from all over the world. So, for example, Chizhikov for 5 years corresponded with Polish schoolchildren from the city of Svidven. He sent the guys a lot of souvenirs and gifts, among which was an Olympic bear: a photo with his images, badges and books.

For the Olympics logo, the children's illustrator had to get a huge amount of money, but when he came to the Organizing Committee for deserved reward, he received only 250 rubles. Famous for the whole world six-meter Olympic bear was created in the city of Zagorsk, in the Scientific Research Institute of the rubber industry. First, a rubberized fabric was made , then the glueers glued in two copies the figure of Toptygin.

But this was the simplest task. It was more difficult to teach a clubfoot to fly. According to the idea, the bear was supposed to rise to the air above the upper stands for 3.5 m and leave the Olympic stadium. Because of the shape of the bear, it turned out to be very difficult, but possible. After many tests to raise the figure in the air, it was decided to attach balloons pumped with helium, to the ears and upper paws of the hero.

The Olympic bear became the amulet and symbol of the 1980 games due to its charm, good nature and beauty. Especially the participants and spectators of the sports Olympiad remembered its closure, which took place on August 3, 1980 at the stadium "Luzhniki". It was on this day that the figure of the clubfoot was launched on balloons in the blue capital sky with the song of Nikolai Dobronravov and Alexandra Pakhmutova "Goodbye, our affectionate Misha."