Filip Bondy

Let’s get one thing straight: Daron Rahlves has not always been Mr. Goody-two-shoes, not always filled the convenient role of The Anti-Bode. Rahlves used to party plenty, until former champion Stephan Eberharter took him aside one day, gave him a lecture about preparation. And another thing: Rahlves wouldn’t mind getting some of Bode Miller’s attention, or his money, if it would simply tumble his way.

It’s just that Rahlves is more conventional, in a hell-bent-down-the-slope sort of way. He is smaller in scale than Miller, about 25 pounds lighter, 5-foot-9 instead of 6-2, less of a controversy magnet, more of a technical skier. And most of the time, like it or not, Rahlves finds himself answering questions related to Miller, explaining that not all downhillers ski drunk or that the Olympic downhill actually means more than just another World Cup race.

These Winter Games matter to Rahlves, big time. Because at 32, Rahlves says that Torino is his last show, and maybe his final chance to make a lasting impression on the U.S. public who will pay the mortgage on his next house. He is determined to retire after this season, at the top of his game, and start a family with his wife, Michelle.

“Traveling around in the World Cup straight through from November to March, is not the easiest way to live,” he said. If he captures the downhill at Sestriere, Rahlves figures he can ditch the bus that doubles as his mobile home and that maybe the expensive house he’s scouted out in Hawaii becomes a real possibility.

“I think that’s for guys who are not as strong-minded,” Rahlves said, about the skiers who insist the Olympics are just another race. “I don’t want to go there just to be part of the team. I’m going there for one reason and that’s to put down some impressive runs and hopefully come out with three medals in three events (downhill, giant slalom and Super G).”

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Four years ago in Salt Lake City, Rahlves was your basic bust. He hit an early bump wrong on the Grizzly course, took too much air, and never really recovered. “I had great turns later, but I made too many mistakes,” he said. Rahlves finished 16^th that day, and as far as most Americans were concerned he disappeared for the next four years.

While you were sleeping, though, Rahlves exceled with some impressive World Cup wins. He prefers his downhills steep and technically challenging, characteristics that allow him to compete effectively against his bigger rivals.

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“If people have been in the dark the last couple years, then they ought to know there’s some big momentum that’s been happening with great results,” Rahlves said.

He has nothing but admiration for Miller’s style, Rahlves says, if only because Bode’s excesses have brought the sport to the attention of all Americans. Because of Miller, Rahlves says, “now there’s a guy in Dallas, Texas, who knows there’s a Winter Olympics.”

Miller flings himself down a hill instinctively. He will try for five medals in five events that do not necessarily all suit his style. Rahlves is more studied, mind over chaos. Phil McNichol, the U.S. men’s head coach, calls Rahlves and Miller, “The Odd Couple,” because Miller is forever stirring up things, while Rahlves is showing up on time for meetings and quietly going about his business.

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These days, the difference is accentuated by accessibility. Rahlves remains cooperative with the media, while Miller has shut down all interviews after his cover stories in Time and Newsweek, and his “60 Minutes” fiasco.

“I’m flying under the radar and it’s something I don’t mind,” Rahlves said. “(Miller) likes to throw a lot of fuel on the fire and get some things talked about that have no relation to what we’re doing. For me, I just like the respect I get. If people get fired up to watch me ski race and learn a little big more about it, then that’s all I need.”

Rahlves is the winningest downhiller in U.S. history, though you would never know it. He has his fans, though they are usually known to him personally. He hashis usual following in Torino – Michelle, who is a medical technician in Tahoe, plus friends, relatives, a couple dozen strong.

They will come, watch Rahlves hurl himself downhill in his own meticulous fashion. If all goes well, it will become a perfect farewell, a gold medal.

An out-of-Bode experience.