Bode Miller Goes Independent
May 14, 2007 by Sasha Manuel
Filed under Sports Rumors
Hmmm. Bode Miller decides to go off at this whole ski thingie on his own, eh? Brilliant.
(Tell me — is he competing in Vancouver 2010 again? :mrgreen: )
I reckon the mere fact that it’s on the news, it means it’s a big deal. Oh sure, it means he’s free of the *club* rules set by the US Ski Association. He practically has complete control over where his career should play out and how. But it also means his sole shouldering of training and racing costs. Real bummer.
The decision means the former World Cup champion will have to pay his own training and racing expenses.
Miller won four world championship gold medals in 2003 and 2005, and was overall World Cup champion in 2005.
But he struggled at the 2006 Winter Olympics and last season’s World Championships, failing to win a medal.
n the World Cup last season he had just four race wins and said he was frustrated by new US federation rules that compelled him to stay in hotels with his team-mates rather than in his own mobile home.
The US team, troubled by publicity surrounding Miller’s late-night drinking habits at the Turin Olympics, also introduced a rule banning athletes and coaches from drinking alcohol together and at team functions.
Like I said, Brilliant.
Source: BBC Sport
I think everyone who is a fan of Bode’s skiing talent may be a little confused-why hasn’t Bode on his website or in any interviews given any information on wether he is or isn’t skiing definately the 2007-2008 season, why did he sign a mulityear contract with Head if he planned on retiring, is it possible for someone even as talented as Bode to have success on his own without the US ski team to back him and why did the US ski team let our most talented skier go(sure Bode has an ego but so do many basketball and football players) seems like they should have let him sleep in his RV and not try to control his off the sloops beer drinking. Questions, Questions, Questions I know but Bode is usually so outspoken his fans would like some answers so we can continue to support him. American television so rarely covers skiing nor do the American papers. Bode Miller is to skiing what John McEnroe was to tennis he brings not only a huge amount of talent but also a personality that keeps the sport interesting and fun to watch. Good Luck Bode we are looking forward we hope to seeing you on the slopes!!!