One More "Silver Medal" for Bode

NEW YORK (May 28) — World Champion and Olympic skiing medalist Bode Miller (Franconia) is the No. 2 athlete in the world, according to Men’s Journal magazine. No. 1 — by an eyeblink one-hundredth of a point in a measurement of seven factors — is Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.

In its June issue, Men’s Journal lists what it considers the top 20 athletes from around the world. The athletes were ranked on strength, speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, endurance, creativity and buzz factor.

Vick finished with 63.43 points. Miller, who won three medals — including gold and a silver at the 2003 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in February after collecting a pair of silvers at the 2002 Olympics in Utah, finished with 63.42. The only other winter sports athlete to make the select list is Norwegian biathlon star Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, who won four gold medals at the 2002 Olympics and captured the 2003 biathlon World Cup title.

“This isn’t a surprise to those of us who see Bode every day and watch what he can do,” said U.S. Men’s Head Coach Phil McNichol. “Still, it’s nice to see Bode and his abilities get some wider exposure.

“What he’s done on skis, especially in these last two years, and in winning the SuperStars on TV a year ago, may move a lot of people to realize ‘Wow, those skiers don’t just slide down a hill fast.’ Our skiers have a lot of diverse skills and Bode and Daron (Rahlves — Sugar Bowl, CA, who competes in sub-professional motocross races) making a lot of people realize that ,” the coach said.

The panel of experts for Men’s Journal included Dr. Richard Steadman, longtime U.S. Ski Team surgeon hose list of clients also includes John Elway, Joe Montana and other elite athletes; Olympian and former U.S. downhill champion Dave Currier; and Paul Hochman, one of the magazine’s contributing editors and a former ski captain for Dartmouth College.

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