Ski, World Cup, Miller sees blue: “Goggia and Brignone the pillars of a super group”

Alberto Tomba defined him as the last, great character of skiing, the last one who made him have fun. Today Bode Miller is a businessman as well as a caring partner and father (of seven children), but a guest in Asolo by the sponsor Scarpa, he did not shy away from the judgment on the current moment of his sport, even with a view to the World Cup.

Bode, is there a modern day skier you particularly admire?

“I have great admiration for all of them, but I must say that none of them give me emotions. It all seems so mechanical, robotic, the athletes are focused only on training and performance. I thank Tomba for the opinion on me, I inspired by him: he demonstrated that you could be a great champion even by drinking a coffee at the finish line or driving a Ferrari outside the races. Healthy madness, which I too have tried to experience. And in any case, the women’s circuit is much more interesting”.

The Italian women started the World Championship with a bang: two races, two golds. And now comes the descent of the Goggia.

“I like your girls very much, they have become the reference team. Sofia and Brignone paved the way, then the youngsters joined and the internal competition stimulated everyone. The Italians have a truly “American” approach to the matches that it makes me love them very much: they always go on the attack, without fear. And they have fun when they ski”.

It was supposed to be the Shiffrin World Cup…

“There are still giant and slalom, and in any case she has already won a medal. It won’t be these World Championships that will change my opinion of her: she will reach 100 victories in the Cup and will go even further. She is not only the most strong skier in history: she is the greatest sportswoman ever. And the way she has always come out of difficulty is an example of what it means to be a champion in body and mind”.

Climate change threatens the future of skiing. Is it time to reconsider the calendar?

“It was even twenty years ago, in fact it was a battle that was close to my heart already when I was competing. We need to hurry, above all we need to change the general approach. And fewer races not only mean less risk for the weather: they also reduce stress and injuries.”

Will you return to Italy for the Milan-Cortina Olympics?

“I don’t have a crystal ball, but I know your welcome and your mountains: you will offer an unforgettable show”.

What would you say to a child who puts on skis for the first time?

“To have an open mind, not to think only about the result, to have fun and be passionate.”

“All except the last one, who is only one year old. They learn values ​​such as humility and respect and are in contact with nature, something that we parents cannot teach. Seeing them skiing champions is not my priority, but if they’ll ask me to try, they’ll have all my support.”