Bank on Bode Miller returning to the U.S. Team

Bode Miller loves playing the media, so this scheduling of a press conference with the U.S. Ski Team is right up his alley. It allows writers around the world the chance to speculate on what he’s up to, and we have taken the bait.

“Bode to join U.S. team” reads the headline at the Salt Lake Tribune, though the story reads: “…appears poised to return.”

“Miller to announce Olympic plans,” was the heading on the Associated Press story.

Throughout Europe, where ski racing can be considered a major sport, the “Bode Return Probable” can be seen on many websites and newspapers.

We can add to that.

A little back ground is essential to understanding this unique situation:

Statistically the most successful (31 wins) American World Cup ski racer in history Bode Miller has, at times, been a handful to manage, resulting in a split from the national team after the 2007 season. For 2008 he formed his own Team America, hired his favorite U.S. team coach (John McBride) and proceeded to win six World Cup races and his second overall title (the first came in 2005).

Last season, however, Miller struggled with some physical nicks and failed to win a race for the first time since his first victory back in 2002. An injured ankle seems to have been the biggest physical hindrance. He recently revealed eyesight might have played a role. Whatever the case, his performances were dismal enough that he skipped the last month of the tour. Although Miller says he doesn’t race for results, the season definitely did not provide him with incentive. There was widespread talk of his possible retirement, talk his summer schedule did nothing to dissuade. He disbanded Team America. His coaches took other positions, his tech rep was assigned to Lindsey Vonn.

Then two weeks ago Miller called U.S. team head coach Sasha Rearick and said he’d like to explore rejoining the team. Rearick said the team would “leave the door open.” Last week Miller was at the team’s fancy new headquarters in Park City using the state of the art conditioning facilities at the Center of Excellence. Presumably he was testing to set some benchmarks and see how he stands physically, routine for members of the team.

The Ski Team ain’t talking, and to no one’s surprise, neither is Bode. Former coach Phil McNichol says it is easy to underestimate the amount of  focus, energy and resources it takes to support a five event skier capable of winning the World Cup overall title. For two seasons Miller has taken that role on by himself. He is 31 now, nearly 32, and starting to plan for his future. He is considered by some to be the best ski racer in the world, but for that notion to become his widely accepted legacy he will need to do more and an Olympic gold medal would be a good place to start.

Bode’s blog a couple of weeks ago mentioned, “Bringing along the next group of U.S. racers and working and hanging with the guys on the U.S. team is something I’m interested in. … “

Yes, it is probable this press conference tomorrow will be about Bode Miller returning to the U.S. Ski Team. In fact, you can take it to the bank. – Hank McKee

Photo by GEPA