Sculptor shares progress update on Monument to a Miracle
· Yahoo Sports
LAKE PLACID — As America continues to celebrate the 250th anniversary of its berth, the legacy of one of the nation’s greatest moments continues to be chronicled at a studio in Loveland, Colorado.
Sculptor Rob Eccleston has made significant progress on the "Monument to a Miracle" sculpture honoring a time when 20 U.S. hockey players shocked the world at the 1980 Olympic Winter Games in Lake Placid by defeating the heavily favored Soviet Union in the Miracle on Ice. The team, coached by Herb Brooks, then overcame Finland two days later to secure an improbable gold medal.
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“When I presented the sketches to the team, they said it was really nice, but we really want it to be based on the photo of them on the podium because on our backs is USA, not our names,” Eccleston said. “It’s not about us as individuals. It’s about the team. And that spoke volumes to me. It made me more interested in doing the project than ever before because it showed the humility of these amazing hockey players.”
'ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX SCULPTURES'
Eccleston’s work depicts all 20 players on the top rung of the Olympic podium at the medal ceremony.
Last year, Eccleston made significant progress toward the creation of the full "Monument" sculpture ensemble. Admittedly, he has been challenged by this particular work.
“It’s not only the most complex sculpture I’ve ever created. It might be one of the most complex sculptures ever created. This is basically a 20-person jigsaw puzzle."
At his Rocky Mountain location, Eccleston has completed half scale figures of Steve Janaszak, Mark Pavelich, Dave Silk, Bob Suter, Buzz Schneider, Dave Christian and Mike Ramsey.
In addition to the half scale figures, Eccleston also milled and sculpted seven full-scale busts of these same players. According to Eccleston, they are essential for capturing accurate likenesses and will guide the transition to full scale figures.
Looking ahead through 2026, his goal is to complete an additional seven half-scale figures, bringing the total to 14.
To date he has completed 10.
Eccleston anticipates completing a corresponding number of full scale busts, as well, keeping the project on pace with the long-term fabrication schedule.
Working six days a week, he is currently focused on the half scale figures of Jim Craig, Steve Christoff and Mark Johnson.
2027 GOALS
Eccleston’s long range goal is to complete the remaining six half-scale figures and busts by the end of 2027. Once all 20 players are sculpted at half scale and in bust form, Eccleston will shift his attention to the figure of speedskater Eric Heiden, the winner of five Olympic gold medals at those Winter Games.
The Heiden figure will be developed in parallel with the "Monument to a Miracle’s" scanning and 3D printing process.
He said this sequencing ensures the artistic work and the technical fabrication pipeline remain aligned as the project advances toward full-scale production in 2028 and 2029.
At the end of this journey, all sculpting will have been completed in time for Lake Placid’s 50th anniversary of the Olympic Games. That celebration is planned for February 2030.
But first, the fundraising project that has sustained these initiatives forges ahead. Creating a total of 21 figures requires substantial financial outlay, so organizers are asking fans and supporters, near and far, to consider donating to the mission.
'250 FOR 250' CAMPAIGN
To celebrate America's 250th birthday throughout the month of July, the Friends of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Team have launched the "250 for 250" campaign. The goal is to inspire 250 people to make a symbolic $250 donation in honor of our nation's 250 years of freedom.
Every contribution, regardless of size, helps move the "Monument to a Miracle" one step closer to becoming a permanent tribute to teamwork, perseverance, patriotism and one of the greatest moments in American sports history. Supporters across the country are invited to be part of preserving this legacy for future generations.
For more information, to learn details about the 10 giving levels or to donate to this goal, visit 1980miraclemonument.org.