Ahead of question time, there is recognition of the 1980 Australian olympians who broke the boycott call and attended the Moscow games.

They are being recognised in the parliament today and have filled the gallery as special guests. Australia did not join the 40 or so countries that did officially boycotted the games (which came after Russia invaded Afghanistan) but left it to the athletes themselves to make the decision. 121 athletes went to the games (out of about 204) and those who went faced massive public backlash for breaking the boycott.

Anthony Albanese:

On behalf of the Government and on behalf of the Government and on behalf of the people of Australia it is a privilege to welcome the members of the 1980 Australian Olympic team joining us here today in Parliament House.

Today is a parliament we honour your contribution to our nations of the big history. We recognise your participation but importantly as well we recognise your pain. And we extend that recognition to all those who cannot be with us today. To qualify for an Olympic Games demands exceptional talent and so much more. It requires character, courage and commitment.

Years of hard work, single-minded dedication and sacrifice. Athletes and their loved ones for countless hours into the pursuit at the Olympic dream.

The combination of that effort being selected to represent the greatest nation on earth, Australia. On the biggest sporting stage in the world, should be a moment of fierce and absolute pride. When you were chosen to wear the green and gold you should draw strength from knowing that the whole nation is with you. And on your return you should be welcomed home. And celebrated for the inspiration you have brought to the next generation of Australian athletes.

Yet 45 years ago, the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan cast a dark shadow over what should have been your shining moment. As nations around the world grappled with the boycott, Australia’s athletes, some still only teenagers were placed in an credit difficult position. 121 Australians chose to compete under the Olympic flag.

Others chose to join the boycott. Some who had one selection never even had the chance to choose because their sport made the decision for them. Those who went and those who withdrew were both subject to all manner vile abuse, death threats. Lisa Forrest was just 16 when she was made captain of the women swim team will stop she wrote of how a family kept a whistle next to the home phone to blast the constant crank callers.

And Chris who competed in the marathon at both Montreal and Moscow recalls back in 1976 a marching band had played Waltzing Matilda to farewell the athletes.

In 1980 the last question he was asked by a journalist at the airport was “Do you feel you are being traitors to Australia?” It’s a wonder many still bear the skies and trauma. It only makes the efforts of the team at those games all the more extraordinary.