Rumors of Bode Miller's demise as a regular on the party circuit, and his expected journey toward alpine legend status, may yet be premature.
But one thing seems sure. Bode is back, and seemingly on the road toward avenging his Olympic nightmare of 2006.
The American's victory in Sunday's super-combined here was his fourth of the season, but with 14 races remaining the bigger picture looks even rosier for the 2005 overall World Cup champion.
PHOTO: AFP
Now back in the overall lead, Miller also has one hand on the super-combined title, which will be decided this weekend at Val d'Isere in a duel with French slalom sensation Jean-Baptiste Grange.
To secure his second overall title Miller still needs to hold off Austrian all-rounder Benjamin Raich and Switzerland's on-form speed specialist Didier Cuche.
But even if he fails, the lifestyle changes Miller has recently made could unlock even bigger rewards at the Vancouver Games in 2010.
PHOTO: AFP
Known for spending the entire 2004-2006 seasons in his motor-home, to which he would often retire in the early hours after a night of partying, Miller has now surrounded himself with a personnel team dedicated to his cause.
His uncle, Mike Kenney, has joined the seven-strong "Team Miller," while cousin Chance Stith pitches in by helping merchandise the Miller brand at World Cup events.
Crucially, though, Miller no longer has to pitch up at local schools during the ski season hoping to use their gym for a workout. He can now leg squat through the night, if he likes, having fitted out the bigger of his two luxury buses with all the weights he needs.
Close friend and cook Jake Sereno provides the meals which, some say, Miller is settling down to most nights instead of partying.
Asked about his new approach -- compared with last year when he fully integrated with the US Ski team, even sleeping in hotels -- Miller told reporters: "It's not so different, except for the logistics of having my own team."
"The training in-season has been better. I have my weight machine and training facilities on the road with me all the time, which I'd been asking to have for 10 years," he said. "It's just crazy to try to go to a little high school gym and try to lift weights with the little kids' machines! I've paid for it myself, but it's an investment I think is worthwhile."
The 2008 Miller seems far removed from the one who left Turin under a cloud after failing to medal at the 2006 Olympics.
The previous year, Miller's overall crown had been the first for an US man since Phil Mahre won the last of three consecutive titles in 1983. Miller had scorched his way to victory after claiming seven wins, six of those inside the first ten races of the season.
This season it took Miller until the Bormio downhill in January to claim his first 100 points. Since then, he has defended his title at the Wengen downhill, and his combined win at Kitzbuehel last week saw him overtake Mahre's previous US men's record of 27.
Miller's slalom technique, originally his strong point before becoming erratic in recent years, is also on its way back.
He now has the edge over Cuche, who is not a slalomer, and Raich, the 2006 overall champion.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely