Few Americans Have Excelled

FEW AMERICANS HAVE EXCELLED at alpine skiing. But in 2001, Bode Miller’s risky style brought the United States two long-overdue World Cup victories.

The 24-year-old Franconia, New Hampshire, native grew up admiring European skiers such as Michael von Gruenigen and Hermann Maier. Miller adapted their styles, taking chances and using speed to overcome mistakes.

At the event in Val d’Isère, France, Miller stood third in the giant slalom with a time of 1:14.40. Going for broke on his second run, Miller lost control for an instant and went down on his hip as he attacked the icy course. Somehow he managed to prevent a disastrous spill and regrouped to charge down the mountain in a time of 1:21.62—the fastest of any second attempt. His combined time of 2:36.02 edged out France’s Frederic Covili by .02 seconds and brought the United States its first giant slalom gold medal since Phil Mahre’s at Furano, Japan, in March 1983.

The following day in Italy, Miller captured his second World Cup gold. The American led the slalom after both runs, and his combined time of 1:36.01 bettered Italy’s Giorgio Rocca by a half second. His triumph marked the first World Cup slalom victory by a U.S. male since Steve Mahre’s (Phil’s twin) win at St. Anton, Austria, in 1983.

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POINT Bode Miller’s chancy ski style also paid off in the 2002 Olympics. He skied to two silver medals, one in the giant slalom and one in the combined. Without his willingness to ski fearlessly, Miller would have always remained back in the pack.

The Bible talks about living without fear. Just like Miller pushed the edge with his skiing, God wants us to push ourselves and break out of our comfort zones. If we do this, God promises to be with us and help us.

GOAL! Do something risky for the Lord. Some suggestions: Invite a friend to church who doesn’t usually go, share about Jesus with someone who doesn’t know him, participate in a ministry you’ve never done before like tutoring or feeding the homeless, or sign up for a mission trip. Ask God to help you live without fear.