Bode Miller Breaks Down After Bronze Medal Finish

By Dan Good February 17, 2014

(Christophe Ena/AP Photo)

U.S. skier Bode Miller broke down in tears after tying for a bronze medal in the men's Super-G when he spoke about his brother, an Olympic hopeful who died last year.

Miller's brother Chelone died in April 2013 after suffering a seizure, a lingering effect from a 2005 motorcycle accident.

"Chilly" was 29. The up-and-coming snowboarder had hoped to join his older brother at the Sochi Olympics.

Miller didn't have the run he was hoping for Sunday, but it was still good enough to medal. The success was meaningful because it justified Miller's rehab and training following 2012 knee surgery. Sunday's bronze makes Miller, 36, the oldest alpine skiing medalist in Olympics history.

The emotions overwhelmed him during an interview with NBC when Miller was asked about his brother.

(Christophe Ena/AP Photo)

Miller rubbed his eyes, trying to fight back tears. His wife Morgan consoled him.

(Gero Breloer/AP Photo)

He talked about the loss during a post-race press conference.

"He wanted to come to these games, and I thought that he would probably have a chance at making it, and to pass away the way that he did, really kind of … it sort of connected with my journey, coming back," Miller said.

"Today, I felt that was all very connected and very raw and very emotional for me. In the finish, it all kind of came out."

(Gero Breloer/AP Photo)

Miller later took to Twitter to talk about his brother, reflecting after winning his most poignant medal.