Bode Miller Breaks Down During Post-Race Interview
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ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images(SOCHI, Russia) — U.S. skier Bode Miller broke down in tears after tying for a bronze medal in the men’s Super-G when he spoke about his brother, an Olympic hopeful who died last year.
Miller’s brother Chelone died in April 2013 after suffering a seizure, a lingering effect from a 2005 motorcycle accident.
“Chilly” was 29. The up-and-coming snowboarder had hoped to join his older brother at the Sochi Olympics.
Miller didn’t have the run he was hoping for Sunday, but it was still good enough to medal. The success was meaningful because it justified Miller’s rehab and training following 2012 knee surgery. Sunday’s bronze makes Miller, 36, the oldest alpine skiing medalist in Olympics history.
The emotions overwhelmed him during an interview with NBC when Miller was asked a series of questions about his brother. During the interview, Miller broke down into tears, forcing him to end the interview suddenly.
While some criticized NBC’s Christin Cooper for pushing the line of questioning, Miller defended the reporter on his Twitter account.
I appreciate everyone sticking up for me. Please be gentle w christin cooper, it was crazy emotional and not all her fault. #heatofthemoment
— Bode Miller (@MillerBode) February 17, 2014
My emotions were very raw, she asked the questions that every interviewer would have, pushing is part of it, she wasnt trying to cause pain.
— Bode Miller (@MillerBode) February 17, 2014
He also talked about the loss of his brother during a post-race press conference.
“He wanted to come to these games, and I thought that he would probably have a chance at making it, and to pass away the way that he did, really kind of … it sort of connected with my journey, coming back,” Miller said.
“Today, I felt that was all very connected and very raw and very emotional for me. In the finish, it all kind of came out.”
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