Miracle on Ice — ice hockey game during the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid, New York
The U.S. amateur hockey team's 4–3 upset over the heavily favored Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympics became the top-ranked sports moment of the 20th century.
Key Facts
- Final score
- USA 4, Soviet Union 3
- Date played
- February 22, 1980
- Soviet prior gold medals
- 5 of previous 6 Winter Olympics
- U.S. gold medal secured
- Defeated Finland 4–2 on February 24
- TV call
- Al Michaels: 'Do you believe in miracles? Yes!'
- Congressional Gold Medal
- Awarded to team members in 2025
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Soviet Union, a four-time defending Olympic gold medalist, fielded veteran professional athletes effectively employed in state positions to bypass Olympic amateur rules. The U.S. team, coached by Herb Brooks, was composed almost entirely of amateurs and was the youngest squad in the tournament, making it a heavy underdog entering the medal round.
On February 22, 1980, the United States played the Soviet Union in the medal round of the men's ice hockey tournament. After finishing the first period tied 2–2 and trailing 3–2 after the second, the U.S. scored twice in the third period to take a 4–3 lead and held on to win, completing one of the most famous upsets in Olympic sports history.
The victory galvanized American public sentiment during a period of Cold War tension and became an enduring cultural symbol. The U.S. team went on to claim the gold medal by defeating Finland. Sports Illustrated named the game the top sports moment of the 20th century, and in 2025 Congress awarded the team the Congressional Gold Medal.
Result
at Olympic Center, Lake Placid, New York