Miller eyes World Cup return for next winter

Skier Bode Miller said his break from the World Cup isn't set in stone and that he could be looking at a limited return to competition next season.

The six-time Olympic medalist, who suffered a bloody gash and a torn hamstring tendon during a horrifying crash at the World Championships in February, said he should be ready by next winter to compete again on the men's tour, but not full-time.

"I think there's a good likelihood that I do a few races," Miller said in Beaver Creek Wednesday where he is working as a television analyst for the men's World Cup races which run from Friday to Sunday.

"There is no question I have the ability to win. There are young skiers out there who are fit and hungry. I have no doubt I can still be relevant."

The 2010 Olympic champion in super combined said after his crash in February that he was considering hanging up his skis. But the 38-year-old American was back at Beaver Creek this week flying down the hill with a camera mounted to his helmet to give TV viewers a visual image of the perilous track dubbed the "Birds of Prey".

"It was fun .... it feels like training. I am not in good shape. It's tough to jump on a course like that," he said.

Miller said his number-one priority at the moment is his family. He recently married beach volleyball player Morgan Beck and has two young children with two other women.

"My kids take up all my time," he said.

He said full-time ski racing is not an option this season because of family commitments.

"I can't imagine taking them on the road with me," said the most successful US male ski racer in history. "The World Cup schedule is so unforgiving. You can't do it half way.

"It's pretty demanding. You are on the road for several months in a row and you can't come unprepared. You can take a huge risk with your health and your life."

One person who thinks Miller can make a successful return is US ski team coach Patrick Riml, who says Miller is welcome on the team anytime.

"He has a spot [in US ski team]," Riml said. "It's always a possibility to see him back for a few races next winter. The biggest question is that is it safe enough. Is he fit enough?"
Source: AFP