Miller opts out to focus on Sochi Olympics

Five-time Olympic medallist Bode Miller of the United States will sit out the current alpine skiing season, including next month's world championships, to allow his knee to recover properly for the 2014 Olympics. The 35-year-old, who holds the US men's record for World Cup victories at 33 and hadn't missed a World Cup season since his debut in 1997, underwent his latest knee surgery in February 2012. "It was tough for me to miss a season of ski racing, but this decision was easy for me when I look at my opportunity next year," Miller said in reference to the Winter Games in the Russian resort of Sochi. "My knee should be stronger than any time since before I injured it in 2001. This was a big year for me, getting married, and my wife being pregnant, so I've been able to enjoy that and extra time with my daughter." The two-time World Cup series winner in 2005 and 2008 added: "I have said many times that motivation is a key trait for me when it comes to my racing - I am super motivated to do great things next year and I know 2014 will be my last Olympics." Miller, who owns the record for consecutive race starts at 136 between March 2002 and January 2006, is the most decorated US Olympic skier in history and his decision had the full backing of the US ski team's head coach, Sasha Rearick. "It is an incredibly smart and strategic decision by Bode," said Rearick. "He's become legendary for pushing the limits of what is possible on skis, but knows an additional injury to his knee could put the 2014 Olympics in jeopardy. "At this point, he is not fully recovered to race and has turned his focus to being 100 percent fit for Sochi. The US ski team and his partners will continue to support him throughout his recovery and eventual return to competition." Once dubbed the "badboy" of the alpine ski circuit for his fiercely independent streak, Miller's Olympic medal haul comprises one gold (super combined 2010), three silvers (super-G 2010, giant slalom and combined 2002), and one bronze (downhill 2010). He also has four world gold medals and one silver to his name.