Russell recalls '80 Olympic win

NEWTON, N.J., Feb. 6 (UPI) -- Kurt Russell says his memories of the U.S. hockey team's 1980 Olympic victory coincide with those of his baby son fighting for his life.

"I saw (the win) through the haze of my son Boston being born," Russell, who plays the coach who led the team to victory in the new film "Miracle," told UPI.

"He was in critical condition for quite a while, so I was in the ICU at Cedar-Sinai (Medical Center) a lot, but I was catching pieces of games as it was unfolding and I did see the whole Russian game. So, I very much remember it, but to be honest, my focus was so skewed towards what was going on with my son."

Russell may not have watched every minute of the games, but the actor said he immediately understood what the team's "David and Goliath" win over the Russian squad meant to the country.

Noting how many Americans felt down or angry over the Iran hostage situation, gas shortages, inflation and various other problems at the time, Russell said: "It was a changing moment. It did unite us ... Here was one moment that we considered was the way it was supposed to be."

"You had all this hope," he added. "And, my God, it happened."