Sunday marks the 35th anniversary of one of the greatest upsets in sports history: the United States men’s hockey team defeating the Soviet Union at the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. A generation has passed since that day, but for those who viewed it, whether in person or elsewhere, their emotions rival those of the American players who were part of something iconic. It is often regarded as a “Where were you?” moment, not just because of the game itself, but also because of the bigger picture.

Consider the background leading up to the game. The Soviet team was laden with veterans, while the U.S. roster consisted of college-age athletes. That gap in experience showed at the beginning of February 1980, when the Soviets easily won an exhibition at Madison Square Garden, 10-3. Tensions between the two nations because of the Cold War didn’t help, either.

After the debacle in New York City, the Americans rebounded in Olympic group play to tie Sweden, then won their next four games, including a 7-3 defeat of Czechoslovakia – a favorite to take the silver medal. All roads led to the medal round, with a date against the country who had taken the gold in the four previous Winter Games. After tying the game at 2-2 to end the first period (which led to Soviet goalie Vladislav Tretiak being pulled), the U.S. erased a 3-2 deficit to win 4-3, the game-winning goal scored in the third by captain Mike Eruzione. Although Disney’s 2004 film Miracle can’t equal the emotion of the actual game’s final moments, it does very well in letting the images speak for themselves.

The United States has not won gold in men’s ice hockey since Lake Placid – they were silver medallists in 2002 and 2010 – meaning the team from 1980 is revered even more. Whether that status will change should the Americans win gold in the future remains to be seen, but given the reception for the players on Saturday, in a special ceremony commemorating the 35th anniversary, it’s very hard to see this team ever fading in relevance.

Share your memories of the “Miracle on Ice” below!