<p>I thought that the Olympics were an opportunity to achieve individual success but in the service of national pride and honor. Bode Miller is just one example of what I feel is a dismal example our Olympic athletes set in this Olympics. Showboating, backbiting, whining about missed buses and lack of hotel amenities, “me first”…I think that Bode Miller is the worst example but there is very little to be proud of here. And these athletes have been supported by the USOC, so they are even pursuing their hedonistic pleasures at others’ expense. I’d be interested to hear other people’s thoughts. Am I missing something here?</p>
<p>excellent points. BUT, shame on us, I guess. In an interview on 60 Minutes, Bode made it quite clear that he really didn’t care about winning medals – he was going to the Olympics to have fun!</p>
<p>re: the showboating-- also concur, but, in this case, I cut the teenager some slack for a bad, split-second decision – showboating is all of what snowboarding is about… (not much different that Reggie Bush’s misguided attempt to lateral in the Rose Bowl - kids do dumb things, somethimes), :)</p>
<p>Totally agree…even after missing the gate on his last event, all Bode could talk about was how much more physically fit he was than the other skiers…and that it was not his goal to win a medal…but, to have fun and live his life as he saw fit. Yes…it’s ALL about Bode and no one else…how sad…and such a poor role model for young Americans.</p>
<p>^whats the point of competing in the olympics if “you’re not there to win medals”.</p>
<p>This is a guy who is lost…</p>
<p>He doesn’t really know the direction of his life and he doesn’t even feel the need to do well in the Olympics…</p>
<p>He is “finding himself”</p>
<p>He’s probably going to have some trouble finding future checks from Nike, too.</p>
<p>haha…indeed^^^</p>
<p>If he manages his money right though, he won’t have to…</p>
<p>he is so stubborn. this kid doesnt even have a coach. how does he think he’ll “win” (if thats an objective in his life) if he doesnt have a coach. also before the olympics he was bragging about how he was ready to win multiple medals in turin. he didnt even win a bronze medal. WOW.</p>
<p>I really didn’t care if Bode Miller would win five gold medals or a tin bracelet; his comments on Lance Armstrong’s use of drugs were enough for me to stop forgiving his “stated differences” and rebel status. </p>
<p>It just seems that the expression “dumb jock” found a new poster child. A dumb jock that does not perform is simply a dumb person.</p>
<p>^just curious but what were his comments about armstrong’s drugs?</p>
<p>Absolutely agree with you all. Miller came across as whiny and self-centered.</p>
<p>Compare his behavior and comments to the behavior of White (the “Tomato”) or Ohno. When you listened to them, what came through was their love of their sports, a feeling of excitement and honor that they were in the Olympics, and respect for their competitors. It was clear they were there to do their best, and give it their all. With good sportsmanship to boot. Good for them!</p>
<p>It is sad that a few spoiled kids can ruin the experience for other athletes as well as the spectators. I don’t know if anything can be done about the situation, such as the USOC establishing codes of conduct and perhaps teaching the athletes what being a member of a national Olympic team means (“it’s not about you, it’s about the country”, perhaps?). Oh, and maybe schooling them on how to give gracious interviews??? </p>
<p>There have always been athletes who were less than exemplary (remember Tanya Harding???) but this is definitely a pervasive low both in terms of performance and behavior.</p>
<p>But how about Apollo? That was a fun story to follow, for me at least. And I was very impressed by the two teenagers who did so well in the women’s ice skating–very fun.</p>
<p>Bode’s comments were probably the strangest things I’ve ever heard come out of the mouth of someone competing at that level. Very odd.</p>
<p>Sorry - I should have used his more well-known name. When I spoke well of Ohno, I meant Apolo Anton Ohno. And you’re right, mstee - he was fun, and a terrific competitor and great role model.</p>
<p>And you’re also right to mention some of the others. What about the skater who came in at the last minute to replace Kwan? Didn’t she show great spirit? She really stepped up, I thought.</p>
<p>Bode Miller? I think he deserves to have his pic on the cover of Time Magazine and Newsweek, both on the same week, and while you’re at it, the NY Times sport magazine also! oh, wait… already did that. 
I think it’s time for Appolo to shave his chin!</p>
<p>Sorry to mention curling again, but I found the attitude of the American men’s curling team so refreshing. They were so excited to win the Bronze medal! The skip of the team runs a pizza parlor in his hometown.</p>
<p>What about the speed skater who donated his entire prize money to a group advocating sports for kids. (I guess I was a bit naieve - while I knew that they get big endorsement deals, I didn’t realize there was a cash payment for gold.) At any rate, he seemed to exemplify the Olympic spirit.</p>
<p>Hey…I think Armstrong was doped up…</p>
<p>Interesting article in today’s Philadelphia Inquirer:</p>
<p><a href=“http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/13965710.htm[/url]”>http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/13965710.htm</a></p>
<p>I enjoyed the US women’s figure skaters. They all seemed to have a great attitude and to just enjoy being there and trying their best. The younger two were so excited. And I was proud of Sasha Cohen, who kept doing her best even after two big mistakes, when she thought she had lost all hope of a medal.</p>
<p>Now, if you’re looking for a spoiled brat, how about the Italian ice dancing couple, the woman in particular? (can’t remember the name) Boy, did she give her partner the cold shoulder! And then, when they skated a good long program, suddenly she was all sweetness and light. I couldn’t help laughing.</p>