Alpine skier Bode Miller broke down during a post-race interview with NBC’s Christin Cooper.
Miller had just become the most decorated Olympic skier in history and the oldest person to medal in the Super-G event when Cooper asked him what this medal meant compared to all of his others after his “turbulent year.”
Miller’s brother Chilly — who hoped to be at Sochi in the snowboard cross event — died after having a seizure last April. He has also been involved in a bitter, public custody battle with a former girlfriend.
Cooper pressed Miller on the subject of his brother and he eventually began sobbing and walking away from the interview.
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Miller defended Cooper in a series of tweets Monday:
I appreciate everyone sticking up for me. Please be gentle w christin cooper, it was crazy emotional and not all her fault. #heatofthemoment
— Bode Miller (@MillerBode) February 17, 2014
My emotions were very raw, she asked the questions that every interviewer would have, pushing is part of it, she wasnt trying to cause pain.
— Bode Miller (@MillerBode) February 17, 2014