Word: mcnichols
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Dates: during 2000-2009
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...been seen at nightspots in Sestriere, even bussing the requisite Playboy Playmate, a type that shows up at the Olympics just like those annoying mascots. Miller's coaches insist that he's not skiing badly, just having bad luck. "He's been engaged and active," says head coach Phil McNichol. "He's skiing as strong and fast through intervals in training as any other skier." Miller has just two more chances to prove...
...equipment and what he considers insufficient support for his ideas. "They are not totally compliant yet," he deadpans. Yet he is serious in his purpose. The coaches, he says, "are forcing athletes to train poorly for the sport. And I find that irritating." Head U.S. men's coach Phil McNichol says Miller has been given plenty of attention, "but he pushes all the boundaries. That's part of his personality. He's about pushing buttons and pushing boundaries." (See 25 winter Olympic athletes to watch...
Arms windmilling, poles in the air, Miller often looks out of control--and often is. That's one reason why he has finished only one of seven slalom races this year. When showing videos of Miller to other racers, McNichol will cover up the volatile upper half of his skier's body and show just the feet to prove Miller is properly balanced over his skis. "It is not exactly ski-instructor style," says McNichol...
...unorthodox style is the logical result of trying to ski the straightest possible line down the hill. Instead of using sweeping arced turns through the gates, he cuts shorter, sharper-radius turns. "Challenging the line that way increases the force on your body, and it reacts differently," says McNichol. Although he has been no stranger to the podium over the past four years, Miller burst out of the gates this season. He won four of the first six races, and six of the first 10. While other skiers might take until December to start skiing their best, Miller says, "Four...
What sets Miller apart, says McNichol, is his "supreme self-confidence; not a cockiness, just a deep rooted belief in himself and his ability." That may explain his popularity. A recent Swiss poll rated Miller the most popular skier on the mountain. He's even appreciated by his rivals. Writing in Sportwoche, an Austrian weekly, slalom ace Rainer Schoenfelder credited Miller and his versatility with keeping media attention on the old-fashioned finesse events like slalom in the X Games era. "Thank God for Bode Miller!" he said. Heading into next year's Olympics in Torino, the U.S. ski team...