San Diego, CA – Ski racing star Bode Miller, who has been off the World Cup circuit thus far this winter to recover from knee surgery, has announced his strategic decision to skip the remainder of the season as well, to complete his rehabilitation and to ensure a completely healthy run for a historic fifth Olympic Winter Games.

Miller, of Franconia, N.H., has opted to utilize an injury exemption that allows an athlete to retain their FIS starting position for the following season, and sit out the 2013 Audi FIS Alpine World Cup season including the upcoming World Ski Championships. The 35-year-old Olympic gold medalist underwent knee surgery last spring and when fully recovered expects his knee to be stronger than it has been in the last 10 years.

“It was tough for me to miss a season of ski racing, but this decision was easy for me when I look at my opportunity next year.  My knee should be stronger than any time since before I injured it in 2001,” Miller said. “This was a big year for me, getting married, and my wife being pregnant, so I’ve been able to enjoy that and extra time with my daughter.”

Just three months after his marriage in September and while recovering from surgery, an errant golf shot from Miller struck his new wife, pro volleyball player and model Morgan Beck, in the face in December near their home in San Diego, causing significant injury.

“I have said many times that motivation is a key trait for me when it comes to my racing – I am super motivated to do great things next year and I know 2014 will be my last Olympics,” Miller added.

Miller holds the American men’s record for World Cup victories at 33 and hadn’t missed a complete World Cup season since his debut in 1997. He also owns the record for consecutive race starts at 136 between March 2002 and January 2006 and is the most decorated U.S. Olympic skier in history.

“It is an incredibly smart and strategic decision by Bode,” said U.S. Ski Team coach Sasha Rearick. “He’s become legendary for pushing the limits of what is possible on skis, but knows an additional injury to his knee could put the 2014 Olympics in jeopardy. At this point, he is not fully recovered to race and has turned his focus to being 100 percent fit for Sochi. The U.S. Ski Team and his partners will continue to support him throughout his recovery and eventual return to competition.”