SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2006
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN 7B
Rebellious skier poised for competition
Bode Miller ready to win but questions rules,norms
Cvrus McCrimon/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
BY CONNOR ENNIS THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
TURIN, Italy — Bode Miller reached up with a finger to scratch his temple, setting off a flurry of shutter clicks.
"It's to be expected," Ted Ligety said. "If you're the best, you deserve the most attention for what you're doing."
Miller didn't say anything Tuesday that he hasn't said before:
He believes athletes are punished for speaking their minds; one of the reasons he won't be staying at the athletes' village at the Olympics is he doesn't think it's a "healthy living environment"; and he's got mixed feelings regarding the U.S. Ski and Snowboard team's motto of "Best in the World!"
But he was undoubtedly himself, something that has won him plenty of admirers — and more than his share of criticism over the past year.
His comments disparaging anti-doping regulations created a stir earlier this season, but he became the focus of controversy after a "60 Minutes" interview in which he said "if you ever tried to ski when you're wasted, it's not easy."
And last month, he suggested in an interview with Rolling Stone that Barry Bonds and Lance Armstrong took performance-enhancing drugs.
Miller later said the interview was "pretty warped" and took the quotes out of context.
"I don't want to sound arrogant, but none of this bothers me very much," Miller said. "I'm not caught by surprise. I would be lying if I said I had massive regrets about the things I've said."
Regrets or not, the comments have certainly brought plenty of attention Miller's way.
He shared the dais at the news conference with Ligety, Daron Rahlves, Marco Sullivan, Scott Macartney and Steve Nyman.
At one point, the moderator broke in to ask several questions of the other team members before questioning was opened up again and all queries were again directed at Miller, who left before reporters had a chance to speak to him in smaller groups.
When the assembled media was allowed to ask questions, however, none were asked of the other skiers — except for one question which was directed to both Rahlves and Miller.
U. S. Olympic Alpine Ski team member Bode Miller speaks to the media during a press conference for the U.S. Alpine Ski team in Turin, Italy. Tuesday, The Turin 2006 Winter Olympic Games open Friday.
"Glad you guys are willing to mix up the questions," Miller joked at one point.
Miller's Alpine teammates say they don't mind that he's become the public face.
"As far as the media stuff is concerned, he's gotten a lot of play, a lot of (magazine) covers," said Rahlves, a medal contender in downhill, super-G and giant slalom. "That's good
for our sport. To me, it's not really a big issue of me getting all the press. It's more like trying to get our sport some press, to get people to know what's coming up ... What it comes down to, ultimately, is who's going to be skiing faster."
Miller and Rahlves both have guaranteed spots in the downhill on Feb. 12 in Sestriere, the first Alpine race of the Turin Games.
Miller recently took a week off from World Cup competition, traveling to Dubai to play golf with his brother.
The reigning overall World Cup champion, Miller hasn't been as impressive this season and is currently third in
the overall standings with 748 points, 317 behind first-place Benjamin Raich. He shrugged off any talk that his performance was disappointing.
"I've met my goals as effectively this year as I did last year," he said.
When it comes to the motto — and the team's focus on winning medals — Miller is of two minds.
He believes the skiers on the team are focused on being the best in the world, but that others in the organization, including coaches and administrators, need to make the same commitment.
Just declaring as much, Miller said, isn't enough.
"We're not the ones making policy," said Miller, characterizing the motto as a "clever marketing twist."
Miller has often said the traditional spoils of winning, whether it's medals or money, don't mean much to him. With big-time sponsors such as Nike behind him.
Miller still says his satisfaction comes from performing to the best of his abilities, rather than defeating opponents or making millions of dollars.
"You don't see me up here with bling diamonds on and a fur coat wrapped around me," Miller said. "My most expensive car is probably less than your most expensive car."
Domestic & Foreign Complete Car Care
LAWRENCE AUTOMOTIVE DIAGNOSTICS
842-8665
2858 Four Wheel Dr.
We Stand Behind Our Work, and WE CARE!"
Forget Wescoe, WALK TO THE WHEEL for home-cooked meals
---
Why your best self-employment opportunity might involve some teamwork.
As a Financial Representative of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network, you'll be in business for yourself, but not by yourself. You'll work with a network of specialists to help clients achieve their financial goals. You'll help clients build and preserve wealth. And you'll become a trusted financial confident—known for your expert guidance and innovative solutions. We offer a proven training program and unlimited income potential. Call Britton Kimler today to arrange a no-obligation meeting.
To measure your self-employment potential, visit www.nmfn.com/hamesfinancialgroup and look for the Self-Employment Screen or call our local office.
We will be interviewing on campus Thursday, Feb. 16th and Friday, Feb. 17th at the Business Career Services Center. Information session for full-time positions, Wednesday, Feb. 15th, 6:30-7:30pm, Walnut Rm. Kansas Union. Information session for internships, Monday, Feb. 20th, Walnut Rm. Kansas Union.
Britton Kimler
Director of Campus Recruitment
The Hames Financial Group
9225 Indian Creek Parkway, Suite 900
Overland Park, KS 66210
(913) 676-8039
britton.kimler@nmfn.com
05-2032 ©2006 Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network is a marketing name for the sales and distribution arm of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI and its affiliates, and "The Quiet Company" is a registered trademark. 803-515