1980 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team

The 1980 U.S. Olympic Men’s Ice Hockey Team won the gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games Lake Placid 1980 following its historic victory against the Soviet Union in the semifinals, famously dubbed “The Miracle on Ice.” Led by head coach Herb Brooks, the team was entirely comprised of amateur hockey players and was the youngest team in the tournament. In the group stage, the U.S. achieved notable victories, including a win over second-place favorite Czechoslovakia. Down 3-2 entering the third period in the semifinal against the Soviet Union, the young U.S. team stormed back, scoring two goals on its way to an improbable win, 4-3. The victory became one of the most iconic moments in the history of the Olympic Winter Games and was named the top sports moment of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated. The U.S. team would go on to beat Finland in the final, securing the gold medal and its place in history.