To the average individual, the word "miracle" has many meanings. However, for hockey fans, the word "Miracle" is foul language that will forever be etched in their hearts and history books. While the term itself is broad, miracles transform doubters into believers. This was exactly the case during the 1980 US Olympic hockey team that shocked the world. In 1980, the United States men's hockey team, made up of promising college and professional players, won Olympic gold. No other Olympic performance has been so unifying and inspiring for our nation. After scoring the game-winner and clinching the gold medal, Eruzione's goal sparked a spontaneous national celebration of astonishing proportions. Overwhelmed with joy, our nation celebrated with a display of patriotism unlike any previous sporting event. Playing against the vaunted USSR team, the group of young Americans defied all odds to defeat a juggernaut. Furthermore, it transformed a nation that was on its heels into a nation on the attack: The United States had faced criticism during the Cold War but quickly became heroes after defeating the Soviets. Along with scandals like Watergate, the Iranian hostage crisis, and the Cold War; the United States needed something to cheer its spirits. This team has fostered much-needed national pride in our country and restored our faith even in the darkest of times. The boost in self-esteem our nation experienced after the victory was unprecedented and its effect cannot be underestimated. The film "Miracle", directed by Gavin O'Connor, was released in 2003. It chronicled the US Olympic hockey team during the 1980s. Olympics in Lake Placid, New York, following the lives of college hockey players who were relatively unknown. The player... in the center of the card... the individual, is more interested in the collective. Furthermore, our nation still values maximizing human potential, both on the skating rink and in everyday life. Ultimately, Miracle documented the values and struggle that the team and the country were experiencing during that time. A duality was present as the team and our country itself were going through an identity crisis. In many ways, the 1980 United States men's hockey team reflected America's struggle through the lens of the Cold War. Significant divisions existed on the team and in our society that threatened the prosperity of our nation. That same struggle exists today. Nowadays, sport has the ability to transcend divisions. In the midst of ongoing wars, Miracle illustrated how sports raised American morale and reminded us what our nation can be. Despite challenging times, American resilience will prevail.
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