A couple of years ago we read a really interesting book.  I didn’t think much about it because it was basically just another interesting book from someone who had done some interesting things in their life and was living life to its fullest – the reason I didn’t think much of it was because the author was still relatively young and there was alot of life left in him.  I felt at the time that this story was not finished yet and so I was a little bit sceptical about the book in the first part.

Flash forward to the 2010 Olympics and the book seems even more relavent today than when it was first published.  The only thing is that I think perhaps this guy was almost written off and his book had since gone out of publication and is now apparently only available on the used book market.  To young to be taken seriously a few years ago when his wild stunts cost him a gold medal because they were considered illegal* and now past his time to keep his book in active publication.

The book and the author I am talking about is Bode.  The full title of the book is Bode; Go Fast, Be Good, and Have Fun.  It seems like a simple message and it really is but it is a great read and even a better one now in light of recent events at this years 2010 winter Olympics.

It could be considered simplistic to gain inspiration for life from our sports heros but there is something to be said for living your life with a goal and living your life on your own terms. The message of Go Fast, Be Good, Have Fun reminds me of the coach Jim Valvano acceptance speech at the ESPN awards.  This speech was given in 1993 but still is so powerful today.  If you have not had a chance to see it CLICK HERE to watch the YouTube video of this speech. It is just over 11 minutes long and totally worth your time.  If you need a little inspiration, or encouragement, or motivation, or even just a couple of laughs check out Coach V’s speech.

And if you can find a copy of Bode Miller’s book I highly recommend you pick one up.  If for nothing else they are currently going for up to $50 on varioius online stores.