It’s ‘Miller Time’ at Beijing Winter Olympics

MANILA, Philippines — Fil-Am alpine skier Asa Miller eyes a top 45 finish and the distinction as the best Southeast Asian competitor when he plunges into action today in the Beijing Winter Olympics at the Ice River atop the Xiaohaituo Mountain.

Given more than two weeks to train and get acclimated to the conditions, the 21-year-old Miller, who finished 70th among 110 entries in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, is all set and ready to batle 149 competitors including Southeast Asians in the race that starts at 10 a.m.

“We’re going to see some good skiing from Asa. And if he (Miller) skis what he’s capable of, he’s capable of top 45, easily,” said American Will Gregorak, Miller’s coach. “He is very positive on the hill and looks confident. I think Asa is a dynamic, exciting skier, period. I think he’ll give us a good show.”

Miller has ruled himself out of the medal race as the competition is heavy with big names like two-time world junior champion Marco Odermatt of Swirtzerland, Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic medalist Henrik Kristoffersen of Norway, two-time Olympic bronze medalist Alexis Pinturault of France and 2021 World Championships silver winner Luca De Aliprandini of Italy.

But Miller expressed readiness after his finals training session yesterday

“I’m just going to do my best to stay relaxed because I ski my best when I am relaxed and confident,” said Miller. “It’s all about doing what I know best that day, not letting the pressure and stress get into my head.”

“Am I ready? Yes I am,” he added.

Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham Tolentino and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman William Ramirez wished Miller luck.

“I wish Asa good luck for his race and pray that he improves on his previous ranking from Pyeongchang. I’m also hoping for Asa to be the fastest among the Asean nations in his competitions,” said Tolentino.

“I am confident Asa will be skiing his very best at the Beijing Olympics, knowing fully well that he’s proud to wear the country’s colors,” added Ramirez.