One of the biggest upsets in Olympics history happened February 22, 1980 in lake Placid, New York. The underdog U.S hockey team played against the soviet union. The soviets were a dominant force in the league winning 7 gold medals from 1952- 1991. The U.S team was made up of college players and was not expected to do well. 

The U.S team was made up of young, college players and was led by coach Herb Brooks. The U.S team was the underdogs and faced many challenges leading up to the Olympics. They lacked experience and size. Brooks had faith in his players and urged them to never quit. On February 22, 1980, the United States played the Soviet Union in the semifinal game. The soviet Union had won the gold medal from the previous four Winter Olympics. The United States team was considered a long shot to win a medal, let alone defeat the powerhouse soviet team. “ The miracle on ice was a huge turning point for the U.S team” Ethan Rivera student at Farmington High School. 

The game started with the Soviet team taking an early lead, but the U.S team refused to back down. The U.S team kept pushing forward and during the second period a goal was scored by Mark Johnson to tie the game. With only 10 minutes remaining, Mike Eruzione, captain of the U.S team scored a goal putting them in the lead. The game ended 4-3 with the U.S winning and pulling off one of the most incredible upsets in sports history. “ This win was huge and gave hope to U.S’’ Crew Frost senior at Farmington High School. This victory was more than a hockey game; it was a symbol of hope and inspiration for the American people. 

The U.S team went on to defeat Finland in the gold medal game, securing the first Olympic gold medal in ice hockey for the United States since 1960. The Miracle on Ice remains as a defining moment in American sports history. The players on that team are revered as heroes who achieved the seemingly impossible.