The men's pole vault event at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow, Soviet Union had an entry list of 19 competitors from 10 nations.

[1] The event was won by Władysław Kozakiewicz of Poland, the nation's second consecutive victory in the men's pole vault.

Throughout the event, home town fans were cheering for Volkov, while booing, whistling and jeering at the Polish Ślusarski and Kozakiewicz.

There were even accusations that the Soviet facility management were opening and closing giant doors to the stadium to change the wind pattern against opposing vaulters.

The photos of this incident circled the globe with the exception of the Soviet Union and its satellites, although the event was broadcast live on TV in many countries of the Bloc.

[3] The official response of the Polish government was that Kozakiewicz's arm gesture had been an involuntary muscle spasm caused by his exertion.

The Polish team was also very strong, including returning champion Ślusarski as well as Kozakiewicz, who had held the world record before Vigneron.

He extended it further by clearing 5.75 metres maintaining his perfect round, before setting his sights on the world record.