Insiders of the sport discuss the significance of the day

By Published On: December 4th, 2004Comments Off on Insiders of the sport discuss the significance of the day

Insiders of the sport discuss the significance of the dayAlan Ashley, USSA vice-president of athletics:
“Its a huge splash to have that kind of result here in America. Watching those guys do that is going to make a lot of young kids want to get into ski racing and make people pay attention to the U.S. Ski Team, that’s for sure.”

Bob Beattie, co-founder of the World Cup, former coach of the U.S. Ski Team and television personality:
“Its got to be right up there with number one [among events attended]. I never thought the Americans would finish first and second and this is a really tough downhill. And Friedman coming right up there, he’s going to be a good one, too. So three in the top seven in unbelievable.”

Rupert “Killy” Huber, vice president of Atomic for research and development, racing and operations, and the longest-serving employee of Atomic (since 1968):
“Mainly, the number one question I’m getting actually is ‘does Bode Miller ski on Eberharter’s skis?’ And the truth is we’ve given a couple of skis to the WC4 team [overall threats] in Austria and some to the U.S. team. So, of course, some of the skis are available for Bode, also for Daron, but they have never skied [with them] in a race this year. So it’s a lot of bull—- and a lot of guessing…And, on the other side. I don’t think Eberharter had faster skis than Maier or anybody else in the last year, because saying that would be lowering a lot the performance and the results of Eberharter…He’s angry because the press is commenting and saying Bode has the fastest skis, and that’s why he’s winning. It means because Eberharter had these by-far better skis this is why he was winning. And this is not true.”

Woody Miller, father of Bode Miller:
“There’s such a contrast with last year. It’s pretty overwhelming. I know he’s got a lot of confidence right now. He keeps saying all the pieces are coming together: equipment, and he’s in better shape than he’s ever been in. He’s safer than he
was before, so it’s easier to watch him. He’s more on balance. It’s hard to watch him sometimes, especially in the speed events.”

John McBride, head speed coach of the U.S. Ski Team’s men’s team:
“We had a chat last night based on the super G. We have a little animal we give out to anyone who doesn’t ski to their potential. A goat. And I gave it to the whole team. Now we’ve put the goat away. We’ve put the goat in the barn. Hopefully for good. There are a few guys who I need to get going, and I know are capable of doing a lot more than they are doing. But it was a heck of day.”

Lindsey Kildow, first-time World Cup winner at age 20:
“I think being on television is kind of fun. Then to be on top of the podium – I’ve never done that before – and to hold up your skis and have everyone cheer for you. All my teammates were in the crowd and it was great to see all the team support.”

Phil McNichol, head coach of American men’s team:
“Lake Louise is usually tucked up in the Canadian Rockies, pretty quiet. A couple interviews, some fans…I was shocked. They are all over them. It’s early in the year, and energy is high, so people can handle a little bit more in their face. But as we move towards the world championships, we’re probably going to have to clamp down on it.”

Toni Giger, head coach of Austrian men’s team
“As I said before [joking], this year the marketing strategy is that Bode wins the first seven races, and the Austrians start in Europe. I don’t know whether they talked to Hermann.”

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About the Author: Pete Rugh