37 NOCs (Nations)
1,072 athletes (232 women, 840 men)
38 events
6,703 volunteers

Lake Placid February 1980. Procession of the delegation of Costa-Rica (CRC).

Official opening of the Games by: Vice-President of the United States, Walter Mondale.

Lighting the Olympic Flame by: Dr Charles Morgan Kerr

Olympic Oath by: Eric Heiden (speed skating)

Official Oath by: Terry McDermott (speed skating)

Eric Heiden (USA-speed skating) accomplished a unique feat by completing a grand slam of five out of five Olympic crowns, beating the Olympic record each time. His title over 1,500m was more eventful as he came very close to falling. In his final victory, the 10,000m, he broke the world record by 6.20 seconds. [Full story]

Many snow machines were used to ensure that the competitions took place in the best possible snow conditions. An Olympic début for artificial snow. [Full story]