He came off an impressive 1979 World Championship ( 6 medals ) .
He was a favorite to win a gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics ; however , the games were boycotted by the United States government .
Coming off an impressive 1979 World Championship ( 6 medals ) , he was a favorite to win a gold medal at the 1980 Summer Olympics ; however , the games were boycotted by the United States government .