[2] The first two places were the same as in 1976, with East Germany successfully defending its title (the third nation to do so, after the United States and Great Britain) and Great Britain repeating as runner-up.

[2] Beginning with an Olympic bronze medal in 1972 and running through the 1970s, East Germany had risen to take a dominant place in men's eight competitions.

Two major competitors, New Zealand and West Germany, were absent in 1980; East Germany was thus heavily favoured over the nearest competitors (host Soviet Union).

Great Britain made its 14th appearance, most among nations competing in 1980 and tied with the absent Canada for second-most behind the also-absent United States at 15.

The "eight" event featured nine-person boats, with eight rowers and a coxswain.