A question was asked 35 years ago as the U.S. Olympic hockey team triumphed over the unbeatable Soviet Union. Although the face value of this unlikely win was merely an advancement in a tournament with an eventual gold medal prize, it stood for so much more than a hockey win. During the time period the U.S. was at odds with the Soviets, and the unthinkable victory stood as a statement for the whole country. It showed the world that anything was possible, but best of all, gave the world unexpected hope.

The power of a moment like this was unprecedented. It truly was a moment where the country stood still and became unified. 20 fresh-out-of-college kids defeated a goliath, and stunned a nation. In truth, it took a lot more than a miracle for them to pull this off. What it really took was the motivation and hardworking attitude that was instilled in the minds of the athletes in the months leading up to the 1980 Winter Olympics.

Herb Brooks, the coach who was hired to lead team USA in 1980, had his own reason for wanting to lead his team to the gold medal in 1980. In 1960, Brooks was cut from the national team and missed out on what turned out to be a gold medal year for the USA team. Therefore, in 1980, he was ready stop at nothing in order to grasp a gold medal, but this time as a coach. The team’s unbelievable win that year at Lake Placid was ultimately crafted by Brooks, as he lead his team into what was ranked as the number one sports moment of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated.

What happened at the Winter Olympics in 1980 was special in the hearts of many Americans. It left the nation stunned, and it truly was a moment that has not been forgotten. When the announcer of that famous game screamed out the famed line, “Do you believe in miracles?” the sound of the nation roared back “YES!”