Bode Miller

Bode Miller, born Samuel Bode Miller-McKenna, is a retired American alpine skier who left his mark on the sport in the early 2000s. Known for his skill on the slopes, as well as his questionable decision-making off them, he was a controversial figure in the skiing world.

Early Life

Miller was born in New Hampshire in 1977, and it’s rumored that he came out of the womb already wearing skis. By age two, he was already skiing down the slopes of his family’s backyard. Legend has it that he once hit a jump in his parents’ driveway and soared over their barn and onto the roof of their house.

Career

Miller’s career as a professional skier took off in the early 2000s. His impressive performances at the Winter Olympics and World Championships made him a household name, but his antics off the slopes made him a tabloid favorite.

Miller had a reputation for partying hard and even claimed that he raced drunk once (although he later denied it). He once broke his thumb playing beach volleyball during the Olympics, and famously showed up to a race after a night of partying with his helmet on backward.

Despite his off-the-slopes antics, Miller’s talent on skis couldn’t be denied. He won six Olympic medals during the course of his career, including gold in the super combined at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He also won two overall World Cup titles and 33 World Cup races, making him one of the most successful American skiers of all time.

Personal Life

Miller was married to professional beach volleyball player Morgan Beck, and the couple had four children together. In 2018, they tragically lost their 19-month-old daughter Emeline in a drowning accident.

Legacy

Although Miller retired from skiing in 2017, his legacy lives on. He pushed the limits of what was possible on the slopes, and his unconventional approach to the sport paved the way for future skiers to take risks and try new things.

Love him or hate him, Bode Miller will forever be remembered as one of the most talented and eccentric skiers of all time.