The year was 1980. The United States found itself in the throes of Cold War, on the veritable brink of a nuclear conflict with the Soviet Union. Tensions ran hot, and they ran even hotter when the United States met Russia in the 1980 Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

What's more, the fate of this game rested not on game hardened NHL players, but on a group of fresh-faced college kids from around the country. This group of 20-somethings was tasked with facing the most formidable hockey team on the planet: the Russian national team. Could there be a more perfect setup to kick off our series of American Dream videos? I doubt it.

They had something on their side though, optimism. This, my friends, is the ultimate realization of the American dream. They went up against all odds, and pulled out a victory that many are calling the greatest sporting achievement in history. So, without further ado: our inaugural Dream Video. Enjoy.