Turin, Italy 2006 Winter Olympic Games

Olympic Alpine Skiing Analysis

Read more Bryon Friedman from Sestriere

SESTRIERE, Italy – Looking back at the past two weeks of Alpine skiing, three things come to mind: the U.S. ski team failing to reach their goal of "Best In the World," the continued dominance of the Austrians, and the rise of young talent heading into the 2010 Games in Vancouver.

The U.S. ski team came to Sestriere with the lofty goal of winning eight medals but leaves well short, finishing with only two golds. Was it faulty hype, too much competition, or just bad marketing?

Bode Miller was slotted to be America's star as overzealous marketers and reporters claimed he could win five medals. In the end, he didn't win a single one. The truth is that if everyone had watched Bode's season entering the Games, they would have realized that Bode lacked the motivation to win and was deteriorating physically. Ski circles were focused on the success of Daron Rahlves and his rising Olympic expectations.

Bode still became America's story because of the controversy that surrounds him and his outlandish remarks, not surprising from a nation that prefers to watch "American Idol" over the Olympics.

Without much fanfare, Rahlves leaves what could very well be his last Winter Olympics empty-handed. After three World Cup wins this season and a promising first Olympic downhill training run, it appeared as though Rahlves was a lock for downhill gold. But an equipment controversy shattered his confidence and he never regained his groove. He now must finish the World Cup season strong and rethink his supposed retirement.

Bode is a different story. He got out what he put in. He recently explained to reporters that he enjoyed Sestriere's social scene and was satisfied with his "Olympic experience." I can understand why Bode lacks motivation right now. He has skied more consecutive races than anyone in the history of the World Cup and has already won the most coveted trophy in ski racing – the overall title. The last year and a half has undoubtedly taken a toll on his body and mind.

But it was off the hill where Bode did himself in. He enjoyed a playboy experience and lived up to his party boy reputation. He could have had it all and it was upsetting to watch him throw away his chance to captivate his friends, family and fans. Instead he allowed his competitors to determine who would be crowned king of these games.

It was the Austrians who stepped up and took advantage of the stumbling American team. Austrians won four of the 10 events and took home 14 medals overall. This medal haul included two Austrian double gold medalists, Benjamin Raich and Michaela Dorfmeister. Once again the Austrians proved they are the team to beat in ski racing.

On a good note for the U.S. team, two young talents did emerge as future stars. Ted Ligety and Julia Mancuso turned in inspiring gold-medal performances. Ligety showed his ability to come back from a large deficit in the slalom portion of the combined, and Julia displayed her poise under pressure in the giant slalom.

Only 21 years old, Ligety and Mancuso represent the team's depth and give hope to a brighter Olympic future for the Americans. Look for these two young guns along with Lindsey Kildow to clean up four years from now at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Updated on Saturday, Feb 25, 2006 6:50 pm, EST

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