Every year both the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated choose their "athlete of the year." These athletes can come from any sport: golf, tennis, swimming, football, etc. However, in 1980, both the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated chose not an

Typically, both the Associated Press and Sports Illustrated honor individual athletes with their prestigious "Athlete of the Year" awards, recognizing outstanding performances across a wide array of sports, from golf and tennis to swimming and football. However, the year 1980 presented a truly unique scenario where the magnitude of a team's achievement transcended individual accolades, leading both organizations to break tradition.

That year, the choice was not a singular star, but rather an entire squad: the U.S. Olympic Hockey (Deals) Team. This unprecedented decision was a direct result of their improbable and historic victory at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Comprised primarily of amateur and collegiate players, the American team faced off against the seemingly invincible (Review) Soviet Union team, a professional powerhouse that had dominated international hockey for decades, winning the previous four Olympic gold medals. The Soviets were widely considered the best hockey team in the world.

The American team's stunning 4-3 upset over the Soviets in the medal round, famously dubbed the "Miracle on Ice," was more than just a sports victory; it was a moment of immense national pride and inspiration during a period of geopolitical tension. The young U.S. team, led by coach Herb Brooks, went on to defeat Finland in the gold medal game, completing one of the greatest Cinderella (Review) stories in sports history. Their collective triumph, against overwhelming odds and expectations, captured the hearts of a nation and resonated far beyond the confines of the hockey rink, making them the undeniable choice for Athlete of the Year.