My article

Golden goalie becomes motivational speaker



By: Christina Kimball



In 1979-1980 the world was a little different, but not that different.Remember in 2008, the long lines at the gas stations? That happened in 1979, early 1980 as well. In 1979 the US embassy in Iran was seized and the embassy staff was held hostage, just recently the consulate was attacked and Christopher Stevens was killed. In 1979 the Soviets invaded Afghanistan, 2001 the US invaded Afghanistan after 9-11. In 1980 Elvis' doctor was on trial after his death, recently Michael Jackson's doctor was on trail after his death. In 1980 there was a debate on in vitro fertilization, today the debate shifts from fertilization to abortion and birth control.   So as you can see 1979-1980 is not that different than the 2000s. In 1980 with the crisis and a need for distraction, a group of 20 somethings gave Americans something to believe in. They were severe underdogs. In their way to winning a gold medal was the Russian Red Army Team, a team who had won 8 out of their last 9 Olympics and not lost a game since 1968. The Russians were clear favorites also beating the NHL All-star Team. The Russians played the US a few weeks prior to the Olympics, they lost 10-3. They would go on to play the Russians prior to the gold medal game and win.



Part of the team was Jim Craig, the goalie. Jon was in town in February to speak to a financial group that helps build financial legacy for their clients' family. He wants to inspire them to want to do what is best for their clients and inspire them to reach their goals both professionally and personally. He does work with many professional groups, including some on Georgia so let's get to know him.



Jim lost his mother prior to the Olympics. When I asked him how her memory inspired him during the games and he said "she built the foundation, she was the backbone and helped developed sportsmanship. She made sure I had all I needed." he spoke with a great deal of apperication and respect for his mom. I also asked about 2 others who may have inspired or influenced him, Tritiack (Russian goalie) and Herb Brooks (the US coach).



Herb was very focused on teamwork and making sure the boys believed that the team was more important then they were. So he would've been proud of Jim's answer to the question "did Tritiack effect how hard you worked?" he said "it's not about one player- my focus was doing my job and helping the team." I then asked Jim about his coach. Herb was known for his sayings like "legs feed the wolves" and "you're playing worse and worse everyday and right now you're playing like the middle of next week." So I asked Jim for his favorite brooksims and he said "gentlemen you don't have enough talent to win on talent alone."



I asked Jim if he ever ran into any of his teammates or opponents from the past and if so what was that like. He says "it's always nice to remanence and catch up with openants and teammates." I know things have changed, especially in pay when it comes to sports so I wanted to know what he thought about the pay and lockouts. He said "with all the work they have to do, they deserve what they get."



While Jim is glad to be in this chapter of his life I wanted to ask about advice and Olympics. He says that while it's a progression of events, when it comes to the games between the medal game and the miracle game- the medal game means the most. He wouldn't change anything or even go back and tell himself to do anything different. "I think anytime you make a mistake, it can be a regret, but you can't be concerned with pleasing others." When it came to advice, he said to be passionate, have the ability to be comfortable with being uncomfortable, and don't be afraid to make mistakes.



Jim is a great guy who is just like all of us. He likes writing poetry and says his most memorable moment is having his kids. As I got off the phone, I thanked him, as I did, he says "just remember you have two choices to be a victim or a victor. Good luck in all you do." Always good advice and good luck Mr. Craig in all you do.