American skier Bode Miller to compete in World Cup and hopefully Olympics

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American skier Bode Miller to compete in World Cup and hopefully Olympics



Thu Sep 24, 4:31 PM

By Beth Harris, The Associated Press


LOS ANGELES - Bode Miller is rejoining the U.S. Ski Team, just five months before the Vancouver Olympics.

The three-time Olympian skied on his own the last two years, winning his second overall World Cup title in 2007-08. He plans to compete during the upcoming World Cup season, and if he qualifies for Vancouver, he will race.

Miller, who turns 32 next month, announced his decision Thursday during a news conference at Staples Center. Miller was in Southern California visiting his young daughter, who lives in the San Diego area.

He didn't set a date to return to competition but isn't expected to compete in the season opener on Oct. 25 in Soelden, Austria. He hopes to race in a World Cup meet in Beaver Creek, Colo., beginning Dec. 2.

U.S. men's alpine coach Sasha Rearick said Miller has committed to the national team and will need to qualify for a spot on the Olympic team based on this season's results. The U.S. Olympic ski team will be announced Jan. 26.

"To have Bode come back to the family is extremely exciting for us," Rearick said. "I'm looking forward to having Bode lead through his actions."

Miller took a long break to contemplate his career, and the two-time World Cup overall champion said he believes he still has more to accomplish.

Miller related his decision to that of quarterback Brett Favre, who twice retired only to return to the NFL, most recently with the Minnesota Vikings.

"You can see how it would be nice to walk away and try something new, then you walk away and there's obviously a big hole left," he said. "I still had more to give."

Miller won two silver medals at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. But he made more headlines for his late-night partying than his skiing at the 2006 Turin Olympics, where he did not win a medal.

"Right now, I don't feel like this is an arena for me to apologize," he said. "My actions will speak more loudly than any apologies could. From here forward, I'm moving in a very positive direction."