What a difference a year makes

This time last year we were celebrating Bode's win of the World Cup overall. This year he ended his season early. The World Cup season is long and grueling, especially for athletes like Bode who compete in all disciplines of the sport. Bode suffered an injury in an early season crash that continued to nag him through-out the season. Once it was apparent the overal was out of reach, Bode decided to end the season.

Bode is uncompromising in his approach to life and ski racing. When he skis, he goes full bore, which has made him the most compelling skier to watch on the hill. It's an all or nothing approach and his decision to give up on the rest of the season coincides with this philosophy. We hope that Bode comes back healed, healthy and motivated for the 09/10 campaign.

We suffered a summer of golf without Tiger. Let's hope we don't have to suffer the same fate with Bode for next season's World Cup tour.

Some Great Footage from Finals and the Season

For those of you wondering, the white jacket warn by Bode is part of the KJUS Spirit collection that will be available next fall. He's wearing the men's CIO down jacket. There is also a ladies model that too is available in multiple colors.

Bode on Ellen this Week

Bode won't be ripping turns on Mount Ellen at Sugarbush, but will be sharing the couch with one of America's favorite talk show hosts- and likely his new crystal too. Set your TiVo for Friday. Check your local listings for air times.

Bode Gets His Globe

Congratulations Bode

Bode takes the World Cup Overall! By Cuche deciding not to ski in the slalom, Bode is assured the Cup. Way to go Team America-

Casey Puckett's Crash in Grindelwald

This isn't quite as bad as Scott Macartney's crash, but it's still painful to watch more than once. Casey was clearly out in front from the start and was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. That said, being out in front is right where you want to be- usually.

Even so, he's ready ski this weekend in Sun Valley with the lucky winner of Ski with Casey.

Congratulations Bode!

Bode Miller broke Phil Mahre's record of World Cup wins today with his Combined win. He was second in the downhill on Saturday with an amazing run, which included arcing a turn off the snow fencing- Congratulations Bode, but we know it's the Globe at the end of the season that you are really aiming for.

The Man in Black

As the original man in black says- he walks the line, and in skier cross it is a fine line. Just ask our Casey Puckett. Casey has been in Europe for the past week or so competing in a couple skier cross World Cups.

There is a lot of rubbing of paint in skier cross, which makes it exciting to watch, but dangerous to compete in. A couple of US athletes have had unfortunate crashes. You can read about the details on Casey's blog.

On Sunday, Casey got his second podium of the trip finishing 2nd in Les Contamines, France. Hew was third earlier in the week at the Tignes “Airwaves” event.

The man in black will hopefully continue the trend and move to the top of the podium this week when the ski cross World Cup heads to Flaines, France.

A Big Weekend for Bode-

After the podium finish in the Combined on Friday we had a feeling that it was going to be a historic weekend for Bode. On Thursday he received a pair of slalom skis from Head that he was super pleased with, and it showed with the 3rd place on Friday and the fifth in the slalom on Saturday.

He had great training all week in the downhill and was poised to tie Phil Mahre's record in Wengen, where he won last year. He blistered the bottom portion of the course take home his 27th win.

He's now won the last two down hills going into the Kitzbuhel this coming weekend. Now that would be spectacular if he breaks Mahre's record on the famed Hahnenkamm.

As importantly, the win moved Bode up to 2nd in the overall World Cup standings.

Best in the World...

Bode finished last season with a globe for his performance in Super G. He started out this season with a top five at Soelden. After a mediocre first run he charged from 17th place to finish fifth. As one ski writer put it, most exciting of all: he finished both runs. It looks like he's well on his way to prove that he is best in the world.

Which brings us to the point of the post- being best in the world. The US Ski Team used it as their motto a few year back and it's what athletes and businesses both strive for. But you don't just get to being the best in the world, there are bench marks and key learnings that need to be reached before achieving such a goal.

Businesses and athletes often look at best practices by competitors and others for inspiration to reach their goals. SIA has some great insight in its Model for Success on best practices from retailers in other markets. Although, the report is over two years old, if you haven't read it take 10 minutes to do so and you'll likely glean at least 2 take aways for your shop and website that will help you be best in town, best in your state, best in the country, or best in world- whatever your goal may be.