[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 31 (Thursday, March 19, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S2348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           BODE MILLER: MEMBER OF THE U.S.A. OLYMPIC SKI TEAM

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
congratulate Bode Miller, a distinguished athlete from Franconia, New 
Hampshire, for participating in the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan. 
Bode had the opportunity to compete in the Olympics because of his 
dedication to precision, relentless drive for excellence and unswerving 
passion for skiing.
  It was a special honor to have Bode represent our country and the 
State of New Hampshire while competing in Nagano, Japan. He started 
skiing at the young age of three at his favorite and most frequented 
mountain, Cannon. As a young boy, his ability to ski caught the 
attention of many. He soon acquired the nickname, ``Kid Cannon,'' and 
dazzled his peers with his talent. Bode was then invited to a training 
camp at Sugarloaf Mountain and was soon targeted as a gifted athlete. 
As a result, he was offered a scholarship to the Carrabassett Valley 
Ski Academy where he was able to improve his abilities and work with 
experienced coaches to tune his skills.
  Bode burst into the international scene with an 11th-place finish, 
the best by an American, at the World Cup giant slalom at Park City in 
November. Before this outstanding finish, Bode was ranked 
internationally at 69th place. Bode's career then took off and he 
became a member on the Olympic Ski Team. Often times, the television 
announcers for the races raved about his athleticism and admired his 
aggressive style. At the age of 20, in a sport where racers are 
generally older, the media characterized him as a young rebel.
  According to Bode's coach, Bode is very good at figuring out what it 
takes to be successful and is exceptionally confident. He is aware of 
his own physical talents and incorporates this attitude in his style. 
I'm sure, because of his young age, he will continue to excel and 
impress the nation. Nonetheless, he still has achieved what most only 
dream about and has proven once again that Americans continue to 
achieve great feats. At a fresh age, Bode proudly represented our 
country and delivered a superb performance in the world arena of 
Olympiads. Mr. President, I want to congratulate Bode Miller for his 
youthful vigor and aggressive competition in the 1998 Olympics and I am 
proud to represent him in the U.S. Senate.

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