She denies that she cheated still today. Oh well. I wonder how many other dedicated cheaters there are. Her running pace looked pretty weak aslo. Doesn't even look the part.
6
Endurance sports are The Truth. I think a lot of us do them because you can't fake a minute of them. You get what you put in to them, and your body won't give you an ounce more. I've only ever run marathons and ultra-marathons, and I'm not very good at them at all, but, for some reason I can think of few things more dishonorable than breaking the endurance athlete's code, and I can't help but think that if you're capable of violating this code, there is something seriously wrong with you. I mean politicians have done some seriously rotten things, but I'll never think highly of Paul Ryan knowing he lied about his marathon time.
22
The visceral schadenfreude Sarah's article generated gives new definition to irony. The same misguided priorities motivating poor Miss Miller created the "ultra fitness" industry, giving rise to a class of fitness zombies who, under the guise of "betterment", seem more interested in the prestige of appearing better than others. I'm a once-competitive runner and now a non-competitive doer of short triathlons (notice how I did NOT call myself a triathlete). 9 of 10 event companions are great - out for exercise and a tee shirt. The 10th one has no time to smile, be courteous or even respond when spoken to. What exactly do they - and Julie Miller - believe they are achieving?
11
Cheating in sports, professional or otherwise will continue till the end of time. Can't stop a cheater as that is their nature. Someone always finds a new way to cheat when the old ways are discovered. Reporting the cheating is the only way we can get rid of some of the cheaters.
6
It is no accident that many members of the American commentator caste use sports analogies to talk about the candidates. This cycle, however, it's been different. Not a lot of crude analogies to horse racing or track or handicapping. It's been purely about who's the candidate whose various shortcomings makes them the least problematic from a list of uncelebrated choices. This cycle, the analogies to sports are 'everyone else does it' [cheating, doping, hiding one's record], 'I'll show you mine if you show me yours' [pick your issue], and declaring themselves victorious even when the races were at their mid-point or when they came in 2nd, 3rd or you name it place. This cycle, just as in some professional sports, most people watch the game and wait after the race is finished to decide whether and how to applaud.
3
The people who run these races are highly competitive. Cheating is unfortunately a predictable by-product of that hyper-competitive atmosphere.
But how sad that Ms. Miller, a mother of two and 'motivational coach' to girls, would continue to lie, even when stripped of her 'title' and when video footage clearly shows that she did not run the full race.
She has some serious psychological problems.
To the many commenters of this and the original article who feel exposing Julie Miller is 'mean'? Oh please...!
Is it not important for those who competed fairly and rightfully placed in this competition that the truth come out?
The fact that video cameras are required to prevent grown ups from cheating in races is more than a little depressing!
But how sad that Ms. Miller, a mother of two and 'motivational coach' to girls, would continue to lie, even when stripped of her 'title' and when video footage clearly shows that she did not run the full race.
She has some serious psychological problems.
To the many commenters of this and the original article who feel exposing Julie Miller is 'mean'? Oh please...!
Is it not important for those who competed fairly and rightfully placed in this competition that the truth come out?
The fact that video cameras are required to prevent grown ups from cheating in races is more than a little depressing!
26
Melinda: Even money that we'll see Miller soon on talk shows as a victim of the fitness industries' mantra to achieve.
6
The photos of her at the start and at the midway point show her in two different types of clothing. Is it common to change clothes mid-race? That would seem a real time waster. Or is this a mix-up in photos? Maybe the video company cheated?
5
You have to watch the video. The still frame is of Susanne Davis, not Julie Miller.
4
Triathlons involving running, biking, and swimming, and athletes usually need yo change for swimming and/or other laps, usually by stripping off layers of clothes. Of course, they attempt to do it as quickly as possible.
1
Watch the video - it's all very clear
1
People forget honest winners but remember cheaters forever. Julie Miller will never be forgotten.
14
Meanwhile, WADA and the IOC are preparing to announce that Russia can be in the Rio Olympics and that Russia has miraculously improved its drug-testing and other policies and procedures in recent months. A new generation of real-live Olympians is being readied to be kept off the podium by the latest cheaters.
6
I can't wrap my brain around all the cheating in endurance sports...what is the point?? A dishonest victory is no victory at all...are these people sociopaths? I just don't get why someone would want to "win" this way. What's the point of competing if you're too cowardly to actually compete fairly? It seems like these people could get more satisfaction out of tax evasion or shoplifting...(but then there wouldn't be the fanfare, I suppose). Who wants fanfare for something they didn't do, something they stole? I guess we'll have to wait for Lance Armstrong's next memoir to get insight into that one...or wait for Julie Miller's response.
28
Lance Armstrong's cheating at least made some sense -- he made a lot of money out of it plus it enhanced his reputation as a drug dealer. Ironman competitors are not megastar athletes -- it seems to me that these endurance competitions are about personal fulfillment and the comradery of a dedicated group of people. Cheating in such an environment really indicates a psychological problem.
7
Perhaps the answer why she did not pass the camera twice is that she was going faster than the speed of light. Using Einstein's Theory Of Relativity once she obtained this speed she was sucked into a Black Hole and re-emerged at the finish line.
The above is as plausible as any explanation offered by Ms. Miller and her supporters like Rosie Ruiz.
The above is as plausible as any explanation offered by Ms. Miller and her supporters like Rosie Ruiz.
25
The entire controversy could have been avoided by strictly enforcing the "No chip, no time" rule. Almost all event entry forms have a release that must be signed before the competitor starts the event. Placing this language in large type should easily dispel the kind of controversy Julie Miller created: No chip, no time, no exceptions. If a competitor fails to finish this competition without a timing chip, no time or placing will be awarded, the competitor's entry fee will be refunded, and the competitor's name will be removed from the list of entrants. It shall be the sole responsibility of the competitor to ensure that the timing chip is secure at all times.
If the organizers had been strict about the timing chip rule, there would be no controversy and no story. But Julie Miller has apparently finished triathlons without her chip in the past, and thought she could continue to get away with this kind of fraud.
If the organizers had been strict about the timing chip rule, there would be no controversy and no story. But Julie Miller has apparently finished triathlons without her chip in the past, and thought she could continue to get away with this kind of fraud.
68
I do not think their money should be refunded, though!
3
Putting the timing element on the bib is a sure fire way around the list chip problem.
5
There is no such thing as a "lost chip problem". There is only taking your chip off and throwing it in the bushes. The problem is awarding first place to someone who threw away her chip.
11
Ah, the true point is missed by most. We are fixing to elect a cheat and criminal, but we really don't mind so much. The Enlightened Elite has immersed our society in justifiable excuse making.
Cheating? No biggie.
Cheating? No biggie.
7
Be specific please. Of what crime are you accusing whom? Can you cite a judicial or law enforcement source?
7
To whom are you referring? Both front runners fit the bill!
2
How can anyone compete at this level and not know there are cameras all over the course? What a blind spot on her account.
I race bikes, and there's always somebody out there snapping photos, either for the fun of it, or to sell to participants later. And those are small events. At a larger event like this it goes without saying.
I race bikes, and there's always somebody out there snapping photos, either for the fun of it, or to sell to participants later. And those are small events. At a larger event like this it goes without saying.
25
hard to cheat on bikes (road? or mountain?) if on road, since everyone knows who's in lead group. Mountain or cyclocross is different. I won a race I thought the whole last two laps I was in second. don't know where I passed the other guy. I was shocked when they said I won.
7
I race triathlons and it's not unreasonable for her to incorrectly think that she could get away with it based on a lack of film. I agree with you. There are often a ton of professional and amateur photographers around the course. But, historically, rarely is there film around the course unless you are in a pack of elite overall competitors. She obviously was right on this point when she decided to cheat because there is no footage of her leaving the course or taking a break. She essentially vanished. How does that happen you ask? Premeditation and planning. She hid somewhere that she knew didn't have cameras. And while this story is significant given it's connection to Ironman and the available World Championships slot she tried to steal, I would suggest that she didn't get this good at thievery on her first try. She didn't have her timing chip on. She vanished from the course but had enough reconnaissance or planning to emerge back onto the course at a point that gave her the best advantage to win. Perhaps she had help. You can't just count to 1000 and reenter the course and pull off what she did.
13
Why do people cheat at endurance sports? Simple. The same reason people cheat at professional sports. Money and prestige. She ran a business as a coach and motivational speaker. You can charge more if you have a better resume. And the cost is offset by how long they get away with it. A baseball player who gets a $280 million dollar contract and then gets endorsements could care less about the game or the Hall of Fame when there's a half billion dollars at steak. Endurance sports are growing in popularity and prime time exposure and even age groupers like Miller have found a way to make a living from it by being a coach and speaker. It would seem that success, to her, was not based on whether or not she won legitimately, or even whether she hurt the sport or other competitors, but, much like the gamble bank robbers consider, whether the tremendous payout would all be worth it. Particularly if she had gotten away with it like she likely had before in other races. Now we'll just wait for the recant and sorrow when she claims she didn't mean to hurt anyone and all just happened so fast.
4
Cheating has been an integral part of athletics that began after people started receiving money for their performances. There is nothing unique about Lance Armstrong, all the other leading cyclists and olympic track and field are dopers, it may have calmed down a bit since there has been so much scrutiny. The unique thing here is the brazeness of sitting out a lap.
10
I had to laugh. After reading all of the comments (255 at the time), I clicked over to yahoo and this was the headline story on that page:
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — A 12-year-old western New York girl has wound up running 10 extra miles after she got into the wrong road race. LeeAdianez Rodriguez had registered for the 5K race that was part of last Sunday's Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge. She thought she was arriving late at the starting line when the race started, so she began running with the rest of the runners.
It turned out she was running with the half-marathoners on the 13.1-mile course and not in the 5K, or 3.1 miles. Rodriguez says she realized about halfway through that she was in the wrong race but decided to finish.
She completed the half-marathon in 2:43:31.
We now know where the missing 10 miles went!
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) — A 12-year-old western New York girl has wound up running 10 extra miles after she got into the wrong road race. LeeAdianez Rodriguez had registered for the 5K race that was part of last Sunday's Rochester Regional Health Flower City Challenge. She thought she was arriving late at the starting line when the race started, so she began running with the rest of the runners.
It turned out she was running with the half-marathoners on the 13.1-mile course and not in the 5K, or 3.1 miles. Rodriguez says she realized about halfway through that she was in the wrong race but decided to finish.
She completed the half-marathon in 2:43:31.
We now know where the missing 10 miles went!
22
People are flawed. The most accomplished aren't inherently imbued with integrity, decency, honesty. We'd love to think it, but it ain't so.
7
I did Ironman Florida and am a not-so-talented swimmer. It is a two-loop swim and I came out of the water after the first loop and was greeted by the announcer saying, "Here comes -mynamehere- and is our first amateur out of the water." In that moment, I realized how easy it was for people to cheat in the Ironman if you're so inclined. It never even occurred to me until that moment. I could have just skipped the second lap and saved myself a huge block of time. Of course I didn't because who wouldn't rather have the memory of actually having done the race to a memory of having cheated?
The difference is this: there are people who are inner-directed and others who get their validation from the externals. If she did indeed cheat, which is looking likely given the video footage, I feel sorry (first for the poor woman that actually won and was robbed ala Rosie Ruiz-style) and secondly for Ms. Miller herself who values what other people think more than her own integrity.
The difference is this: there are people who are inner-directed and others who get their validation from the externals. If she did indeed cheat, which is looking likely given the video footage, I feel sorry (first for the poor woman that actually won and was robbed ala Rosie Ruiz-style) and secondly for Ms. Miller herself who values what other people think more than her own integrity.
40
This is pretty damning evidence.
6
Our society is riddled with cheaters sports business, person relationships. This is everyday news . Trust is a think of the past. Might as well test for steroids.
2
After the win, she was quoted crediting her trainer Lance Armstrong for the victory. Love seeing people get called out.
4
She certainly seems to lose a lot of the things that are used to verify her position in the race, a timing chip here, a number on her bike there, etc., and appealing her times to the governing board each time for a declared win. Sure sounds like a pattern of obfuscation to play on the pity of the judges when standard verification couldn't be used. About time she was held accountable for her cheating and allow real contenders the opportunity to rightfully win. As Trump would say "YOU should be ASHAMED of yourself, Julie Miller."
2
On the initial piece I commented that it was fascinating but sad, and that essentially our interest in it amounted to little more than rubbernecking. Going back to an accident to take another peek goes well beyond that. At this point you're doing more than slowing down traffic. Move along.
1
We can only conjecture as to her reasons. As it appears she may have cheated several times, she may have gotten stuck in a pattern in which she believed she could not do well enough in her eyes, then cheated and got away with it, then cheated again because she had not been found out. Then if she followed that with an event without cheating, her performance would have honestly been a lot worse. More or less the reasoning of cheating ball players using PEDs, modified bats, doctored balls. There is some social psych research indicating that if we allow ourselves a bit of bad behavior, repeating it may not seem so bad, and repeating it at a worse level then might not be so bad, etc.
It is wrong; it hurts those who might have won an event or batting title had the other competitor not cheated. Fellow competitors have a right to feel outrage. And I do not at all begrudge people their sport. Saying they should working to help others instead of training, implies they are mutually exclusive. I am sure there are nurse, firefighter, great parent triathletes, as in any sport.
But, I do not get the almost delighted hatred expressed by some commenters. She messed up; she deserves punishment. She should engage in self-examination, get help. But, psychopath?Sociopath? Who did she maim or kill? As for those who claim they never cheated:I believe many never cheated on tests or taxes. But, did we never take a too long lunch, not give 100% on a workday? Cheating comes in many sizes.
It is wrong; it hurts those who might have won an event or batting title had the other competitor not cheated. Fellow competitors have a right to feel outrage. And I do not at all begrudge people their sport. Saying they should working to help others instead of training, implies they are mutually exclusive. I am sure there are nurse, firefighter, great parent triathletes, as in any sport.
But, I do not get the almost delighted hatred expressed by some commenters. She messed up; she deserves punishment. She should engage in self-examination, get help. But, psychopath?Sociopath? Who did she maim or kill? As for those who claim they never cheated:I believe many never cheated on tests or taxes. But, did we never take a too long lunch, not give 100% on a workday? Cheating comes in many sizes.
19
Is there a mental health issue at play. Is she delusional?
She cheated and got caught yet denies.
She cheated and got caught yet denies.
3
Why doesn't she submit to a lie detector test???
2
Good reporting Sarah Lyall! Both articles were great.
4
Is all this evidence even necessary? She doesn't move nor have the physique of a champion triathlete
5
These two articles were trying to assemble a serious, well-supported case for cheating. There needs to be enough to remove all credible doubt.
Your suggestion about how she looks isn't evidence for anything. Plenty of credible doubt would remain if that was the entirety of the case.
Your suggestion about how she looks isn't evidence for anything. Plenty of credible doubt would remain if that was the entirety of the case.
2
Do you really need to use the full weight of NY Times to bludgeon this woman into submission? Your first article left little doubt, she cheated. The bigger question is What motivated it and if this is relatable to our current social condition. This seems like a petty "gottcha" game. We would be better served if you used this data to build a discussion of the motivations.
4
Thank you for the follow up, even if there had seemed to be enough evidence presented already showing that Miller was a cheat. This article confirms it, however. Obviously, her excuse will be that the article did not present all the video tape. On and on we will go, round and round we will go, until the person is completely tied up by her own self created rope that she confesses the truth. At that point, though, no one will care. My assumption is that "all the film" lies in wait.
5
Armstrong cheated but had lots of help with the cover-up. I'll bear witness that the Livestrong foundation has good programs. That Armstrong started the foundation should not a reason to denigrate the organization.
3
Iron Men win at all costs. Women once held themselves to a higher ideal.
It's not surprising that people are fascinated with athletes who cheat, but this article reads like a personal vendetta. Its sole purpose is to attempt to prove that this woman cheated. How about an article exploring why athletes might do such a thing instead of just hunting one woman down?
"Somebody" didn't know about the camera and took a little nap in the bushes....
4
Not sure why the national shaming is needed for an obscure segment of an obscure race. That might be the more interesting story.
Who would have thought that Rosie Ruiz would still be a role model for some? There is no explanation other than she cheated. If it had been a brain freeze that prevented her from counting to 2, she would have finished the race even faster. We know what the missing 18 minutes of tape cost President Nixon. What will the 10 missing minutes of this race cost Miller?
5
Lost your number in a cycling race? OK--even though the other 799 participants didn't--OK, you get the benefit of the doubt. Lost your chip at an IronMan triathlon? Hmmm? And nobody else did, again? Hmmm? Lost your chip AGAIN at an IronMan?
Well, to borrow a phrase from a different sport: three strikes, 'yer out!
As an aside: what possible pleasure can one derive from walking up to the podium and accepting an age-group award after cutting the course? That's sociopathic!
Well, to borrow a phrase from a different sport: three strikes, 'yer out!
As an aside: what possible pleasure can one derive from walking up to the podium and accepting an age-group award after cutting the course? That's sociopathic!
7
This outcome must be especially tough on the legions of Times commenters who confirm unceasingly in these pages that women do not lie about personal matters. When confronted, these wronged ones always can be counted upon to reveal the truth, no matter what men say to the contrary.
So, Julie, I believe you.
So, Julie, I believe you.
5
This is why journalism is a highly prized profession.
Who are you going to believe, me or your lyin' eyes?
1
What pathology causes amateur sports to become corrupted by sick minds? Celebrity addiction and/or poor self-esteem?
I, for one, am impressed she completed one lap as I sit on the couch eating my potato chips. At least I didn't lie and say they were veggie chips. Maybe, in fact, she could learn a thing or two from me?
4
Thanks, now you can stop harassing her and move to other topics.
1
Did the poor dear creature not know there were cameras used during the race? Good grief - there is a lot of glory riding on its outcome; OF COURSE there would be photo documentation. It's 2016.
What a sad, needy, desperate person she is.
What a sad, needy, desperate person she is.
6
It's permitted to lie nowadays. In fact it's even ethical in Politics whenever there is a chance you won't get caught. And you can always blame it on lack of memory at the time. It's called miss speaking.
2
I don't think anger at this woman for her serial thievery--stealing hard-earned placement and recognition from rightful winners-- is harsh, nor do I think it should preclude some compassion for what is obviously a serious mental illness. Julie Miller is a liar and a cheat. Her actions have hurt many people. That she is unable to face and admit that is the weirdest, saddest, and most disturbing part of this epic and important story.
30
New York Times, please stop the mischaracterization of mental illness. Your endorsement of this misguided comment and misplaced "compassion" is predictable but disappointing.
Compassion and understanding for an individual who has lied, cheated, and is in denial is one thing, but implying that dishonesty and duplicity are characteristics inherent in an individual with mental illness, or indicators that they must have a mental illness, is wrong and harmful.
Compassion and understanding for an individual who has lied, cheated, and is in denial is one thing, but implying that dishonesty and duplicity are characteristics inherent in an individual with mental illness, or indicators that they must have a mental illness, is wrong and harmful.
1
Her failure to respond speaks volumes. In this competitor's apparently deceitful quest for victory, she lost much more than a race. By feigning to endure the strenuous test that the other competitors endured, Ms. Miller failed to win the admiration that winners expect. Those of us who have ever competed and lost can at least be consoled that we gave it our best, an honest try. Instead, Ms. Miller lost what others like her always lose when they cheat: their honor.
3
Maybe the camera wasn't working properly. That is my guess (Yes, this is sarcasm).
3
Someone who cheats, often will refuse to admit it - ask Alex Rodriguez.
2
Or Tom Brady.
2
The "Ironman Canada" event has never been so newsworthy, even in Canada.
1
Lost your number in a cycling race? OK--even though the other 799 participants didn't--OK, you get the benefit of the doubt. Lost your chip at an IronMan triathlon? Hmmm? And nobody else did, again? Hmmm? Lost your chip AGAIN at an IronMan?
Well, to borrow a phrase from a different sport: three strikes, 'yer out!
As an aside: what possible pleasure can one derive from walking up to the podium and accepting an age-group award after cutting the course? That's sociopathic!
Well, to borrow a phrase from a different sport: three strikes, 'yer out!
As an aside: what possible pleasure can one derive from walking up to the podium and accepting an age-group award after cutting the course? That's sociopathic!
2
It's a little hard to understand all the brouhaha regarding this incident. I imagine that of the hundreds of races that take place in the US every year, many people cheat in one way or another even when they gain nothing by it. There have been spectacular cheats throughout the history of sports. Why does this woman matter so much to so many? To make such a big deal out of this one cheater's story is a little weird and obsessive, isn't it?
I don't run. I don't follow nor particularly understand the almost obsessive devotion that these and like minded competitors possess. But I as a senior citizen, I am fascinated by the values that influence our culture. Ms, Miller's tale is blatant disregard for others in order to promote one's self. . .obviously without any compunction. We see it daily in laws we pass that take food and education away from kids in poverty. We see it in inner-city vandalism and theft. We see it with people who have power over others (police, teachers, bosses). We see it in punishments that don't match the crimes. We see it in corporations that buy and bend laws to benefit themselves and destroy others...once upon a time GE, Coca Cola, Haliburton and others would have been felons for breaking anti-trust laws that prohibited monopolies and the Wall Street hoodlums would be jailed. Our culture has changed, and we have become almost desensitized to the dishonesty of it. Look at our politics and government.
I am glad to see that this story exposing someone who tarnished a sport that others hold dear. By her actions, she not only stole a victory, but tarnished the win. The outrage shown by some readers is to be applauded...perhaps if we stay aware and outraged about all injustices, we might be pushed to actually do something to change our value culture.
I am glad to see that this story exposing someone who tarnished a sport that others hold dear. By her actions, she not only stole a victory, but tarnished the win. The outrage shown by some readers is to be applauded...perhaps if we stay aware and outraged about all injustices, we might be pushed to actually do something to change our value culture.
3
What makes this so surprising is that this isn't a big money sport. I am assuming she is an amateur, so cheating in a tri is like cheating at solitaire.
2
This is good evidence. But how is this only coming to light now??
I don't understand how the very first question skeptics of Miller's story asked, wasn't, "Uh....are there any cameras filming the race?" and how that wouldn't have immediately revealed that yes, in fact, there is filming of the race!
Lyall - please elucidate.
I don't understand how the very first question skeptics of Miller's story asked, wasn't, "Uh....are there any cameras filming the race?" and how that wouldn't have immediately revealed that yes, in fact, there is filming of the race!
Lyall - please elucidate.
Perhaps you missed the first article. That's exactly what they did. They didn't think to use these but they went to most every other source of footage, still and moving, to piece together the case that got her win reversed. This is just follow-up. Confirmation, if you will.
2
Thanks Bill! Seems like quite an oversight! :)
1
She cheated because she runs a training business predicated on the notion that you can win races even if you don't fit the profile of a champion runner.
7
Somewhat the same psychological profile of men who claim to have won military medals who didn't, many if not most of whom never ever served in the military. Also somewhat like the psychological profile of former Presidents who "disappeared" from their non-combat state-side units during time of war but decades later dress-up and play wanna-be combat fighter pilot landing on an aircraft carrier near San Diego.
6
The woman is pathetic and deluded.
But that shouldn't detract from the accomplishments of athletes. I feel sort of ashamed that I knew who she was as soon as I saw that picture, but could not remember the name of the actual winner.
But that shouldn't detract from the accomplishments of athletes. I feel sort of ashamed that I knew who she was as soon as I saw that picture, but could not remember the name of the actual winner.
2
A very sick person...
2
It's fairly obvious from her history that she has not run a complete race. I've run 100's of races and never lost my timing chip. She constantly loses hers. It's not accidental. My problem is with the race organizers. No chip - no time should be the policy. Why she has been granted an exception is beyond me.
8
Mad props to JM for cheating the old fashioned way. Relax, have a Coke and a smile, jump in later. She could have used PED's but instead was brave, and true to herself, and said "Why am I doing this to myself? "
1
Let's see...
Timing Chip - Missing
Video Image for second lap of Marathon run - Missing
Explanation from Miller - Missing
Looks like a trifecta...or three strikes? Especially sad when there are participants out there who are proud just to finish...even hours later than the rest of the field. (And they should be proud.)
Timing Chip - Missing
Video Image for second lap of Marathon run - Missing
Explanation from Miller - Missing
Looks like a trifecta...or three strikes? Especially sad when there are participants out there who are proud just to finish...even hours later than the rest of the field. (And they should be proud.)
5
There's as much cheating and doping in track and marathons as there is cycling, baseball, and football--it never ends.
1
The more I read about this the sadder I feel for Miller. For your own conscience, please come forward and perhaps, let's hope, you can move on.
1
Give me a break! Call the NSA maybe they have the definitive satellite imagery of this race. If not, just go find a dead horse to beat. "What age group are you in? What age group are you in? What age group are you in?" Oh the humanity!
Julie Miller is a true pathfinder. Last summer I completed a sprint triathlon at the tender age of 75. I was thrilled to finish the event in this century but now envision future races where I simply skip the 5k and dramatically improve my finishing time. If cameras document my deception and denial doesn't work, I'll claim the early bird special option along with dementia.
3
I wonder what Rosie Ruiz thinks about all this.
3
Rosie would undoubtedly think Miller could have had a better time if she had access to the MBTA subways.
2
She stole the moment from the winner. It's not a crime, but she should not get to be in the game anymore. Honor systems just don't work--it's terrible but just the way it is.
4
From the previous article it seemed like she's a local celebrity and lots of folks look(ed) up to her. Sad that much of that admiration has been based on lies. Clearly there is something lacking in Julie Miller. I wouldn't go so far as to call her a sociopath, but clearly lying and basking in unearned fame and high regard do not bother her in the least. She should come out, woman up, and apologize to those who can do the work and have honestly earned the accolades. Not holding my breath.
3
Maybe she is The Flash and letting us know will reveal her secret identity.
1
The Ironman cheating story that just keeps on giving! Some people can just keep on denying. Who you gonna believe? Julie Miller or your lying eyes!
What is really sad is someone with too much money and time will think this is a great story, make a "documentary" about this woman (she'll write a book too, bet on it), and the American public will hugely sop it up as if it is interesting entertainment.
Personally, I think the folks that she "beat" should sue her in court. They had expenses; they had losses. Sue her.
Personally, I think the folks that she "beat" should sue her in court. They had expenses; they had losses. Sue her.
21
Perhaps the Canadian courts aren't as favorable to litigation as our courts.
She is Canadian and the event was in Canada. If they can even successfully sue, they will likely only get remedial damages as punitive damages are kept to minimum here. They might get their racing fees back, tops. More likely, Ironman will remove her title and give it to the right person.
No, what is really, really sad is that you would recommend suing someone for something so trivial.
Surely Suzanne Davis would remember being overtaken, if it happened.
37
Davis said Miller didn't pass her. It is in the earlier article.
Can anyone determine the model of her running watch? It looks like a Polar FT. If it is an FT (an odd choice for a triathlete), it does not collect GPS data.
7
The sad thing is, this woman is obviously an amazing athlete. How many of us American fatties could do even 10% of an Ironman? What a shame to be remembered, not as a member of a super elite club, but as a cheater.
101
Winners. That's what we want: on the track, with our gadgets and our partners in bed, with our investments.
Losers. Beneath contempt. Ms. Miller obviously parsed the difference intensely.
Losers. Beneath contempt. Ms. Miller obviously parsed the difference intensely.
You've hit the nail on the head.
The super elite club was beating her by over an hour and a half. She is a normal fitness junkie.
1
Her quote sounds exactly the same thing Lance Armstrong siad when he was asked a similar question. Could it be that "She" is really Lance in drag? Who knows. Maybe cheaters share the same wardrobe.
23
At least he actually rode all the full courses.
1
At some point she will tell us why she did it. We already know it is one of a handful of reasons related to ego, competitiveness, and local prestige. Yet, the part of her that would deny all of the work and sacrifice she put into it to claim a false victory somehow compels us all. We want her to say it.
17
This? Again?
You marathoners are obsessive, impulsive and compulsive for the most part. Yes, some exceptions, but the lot of you deserves each other with your "split time" worries and training obsession. This is so not news.
And, no, I'm not fat or sedentary.
You marathoners are obsessive, impulsive and compulsive for the most part. Yes, some exceptions, but the lot of you deserves each other with your "split time" worries and training obsession. This is so not news.
And, no, I'm not fat or sedentary.
42
You see the headline – but as a person not interested in the subject you read it anyway. You must need a complaint vehicle.
16
The NYT covers a broad spectrum of interesting stories. If you want "news" you should check out Wolf Blitzer.
1
Every story about sports, travel, art, style and food in the NYT can be subjectively considered "not news" by someone. If you're not interested in a topic, don't read about it (twice apparently).
3
yellow blur at min 18:22....Julie Miller is The Flash....no camera is fast enough to catch her!
16
She changed socks twice so you missed her.
14
“if she could explain why it shows her passing the second camera just once”
It is pretty difficult to explain why something is *missing* from a recording you had no control over.
It is pretty difficult to explain why something is *missing* from a recording you had no control over.
15
Agreed. Flimsy investigation. Why doesnt the article do something to make this more credible, like look to see whether every other runner is seen there?
It's actually really easy to explain...if you're willing to admit you cheated.
It's a conspiracy and the footage of her was deleted. Losing a timing chip in two races and a bike number in another race...uh, well...
What, she hasn't blamed the liberal media yet?
35
She's Canadian. We generally don't do that here.
2
she looks like she is supinating to an extreme in that one pic.
11
A friend of mine just finished the Boston Marathon and mentioned the stories she heard of Bib swapping with a faster runner to ensure a faster chip time. Having trained hard for Boston (an many others), she was surprised at the level people went to get faster times. But all of us shared with her the confusion about what you get out of it. There can't be any self satisfaction for your accomplishment. Why do this? It's baffling, but it seems to be happening more and more - the underbelly of non professional athletics.
21
It's a little sad that people would cheat in this way, and for so little personal gain. No one really knows or cares who wins an Ironman race, except perhaps for a few participants, their friends and family members who might take an interest. Ms. Miller might have run a perfectly respectable race finishing 43rd, for example, and no one would have objected to this outcome.
Brian Williams, the TV anchorman, was famously exposed recently for exaggerating his experiences in what he claimed were wartime conditions in Iraq. Perhaps the banality of our everyday, humdrum lives is just too confining for some people, who must embellish the quality of their experiences and achievements.
Oh, and did I mention that I was the second man to walk on the Moon, just after Neil Armstrong? It was a fabulous experience, with a great view of the Earth!
Brian Williams, the TV anchorman, was famously exposed recently for exaggerating his experiences in what he claimed were wartime conditions in Iraq. Perhaps the banality of our everyday, humdrum lives is just too confining for some people, who must embellish the quality of their experiences and achievements.
Oh, and did I mention that I was the second man to walk on the Moon, just after Neil Armstrong? It was a fabulous experience, with a great view of the Earth!
17
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you were third. I was on step ahead of you.
Don't forget Paul Ryan's sub-3 hour marathon claim.
1
"I emailed Miller to tell her about the video and ask her if she could explain why it shows her passing the second camera just once. She did not respond."
Aren't journalists supposed to try her phone, too, in this case?
Aren't journalists supposed to try her phone, too, in this case?
13
But David, presumably the video was attached in the email or there was a link to it. Getting her on the phone wouldn't do much good.
If you email and ghet a written reply, there it is in black and white. You cannot record a phone conversation without her consent.
Canadians have phones? They don't even have timing chips.
1
No commenter here has even considered alien abduction. It explains the missing time on the video which would have shown her passing the second camera twice. It's much more reasonable than leaping to the conclusion that she cheated. Think about it. The 77% of Americans who National Geographic have found believe aliens have visited earth are way ahead of you.
76
The 'why' is what fascinates us.
We don't worry so much about, for a topical example, politicians roaring blatant lies in order to win a supposedly responsible position in our society. In my mind, a bit more important than anything athletic. Or, say, Hastert getting very short time today, and nothing at all for years of child molestation.
We do, however, focus on simple and clear things of less importance, because they are simple and clear and don't make much sense. A wealthy celebrity shoplifting for no apparent reason; an anonymous troll throwing venom on the web, an athlete sullying a whole sport for little personal gain. It is interesting only because we can't frame it, wouldn't do it, can't understand the why of it.
We don't worry so much about, for a topical example, politicians roaring blatant lies in order to win a supposedly responsible position in our society. In my mind, a bit more important than anything athletic. Or, say, Hastert getting very short time today, and nothing at all for years of child molestation.
We do, however, focus on simple and clear things of less importance, because they are simple and clear and don't make much sense. A wealthy celebrity shoplifting for no apparent reason; an anonymous troll throwing venom on the web, an athlete sullying a whole sport for little personal gain. It is interesting only because we can't frame it, wouldn't do it, can't understand the why of it.
28
Exactly why I didn't view the videos but read the article twice. I really wanted to know the "why" (she, allegedly, cheated), not the "how" which I admit to being unable to gauge by a video. So I suppose you are right-"we" ARE more fascinated/perplexed/etc., by the more mundane in the scope of misdeeds. I had never heard of Miller before and now feel she has only truly harmed herself so why I am more confounded by this than the politician who sexually abused underage boys disturbs me. I KNOW that the damage to the abused children is far greater (yet I still want to know why Miller cheated in a race).
2
She should seriously consider politics and run for it, she met most requirements.
30
Just looking at Miller's supposed splits and the pace required.
Based on her run, she would have to have run a pace of 6:17/mile up to that interval (22.3km into the race), then 9:32/mile the rest of the race.
Such a fall off isn't entirely unusual, just look at Davis, who ran 7:21/mile up to that interval, and 9:45/mile for the remainder.
The most damning evidence is really the first split of 6:17/mile. As the overall race winner, Victor Zyemstev had the fastest run of anyone, and he never ran that fast, his pace was 6:38/mile up to the interval, and 6:50/mile after.
Based on her run, she would have to have run a pace of 6:17/mile up to that interval (22.3km into the race), then 9:32/mile the rest of the race.
Such a fall off isn't entirely unusual, just look at Davis, who ran 7:21/mile up to that interval, and 9:45/mile for the remainder.
The most damning evidence is really the first split of 6:17/mile. As the overall race winner, Victor Zyemstev had the fastest run of anyone, and he never ran that fast, his pace was 6:38/mile up to the interval, and 6:50/mile after.
32
The NYT times tries so hard to match the New Yorker's scoop with his story about Kip Litton ... but KL is and will remain the absolute champ of semirecreational sports cheating (and of attempting to deny when called on it).
15
Require all race participants to finish the race with their timing chips intact. Any runner who claims to have 'lost' their chip is allowed to finish the race, but is disqualified for purposes of awards, prizes or trophies. I believe pro golfers who make mathematical errors or forget to sign their score cards are disqualified from the tournament.
116
That's actually the rule for these events. She appealed and the race director allowed her to qualify for an award.
I agree. It's pretty rare that those timing chips are lost, especially when it seems like they Ironman typically gives out brand new velcro straps to participants. In an earlier story, I believe it was mentioned that Miller had "lost" her timing chip in a previous Ironman event where she had won her age group. So she expects everyone to believe that she managed to lose a timing chip not once but twice, and both times she happened to win her age group? That alone is enough to convince me that she's guilty.
1
Yes exactly. The rule is already there. I've lost chips a couple of times during races (once someone pulled it off my ankle in the swim and once I unknowingly pulled it off with my wetsuit.) Both times I noticed, both times I went to officials and they got me new ones. I was far from being elite but even I knew my time wouldn't count if I didn't have that chip on.
I think what fascinates me and perhaps most of the readers of this story is how someone can continue to deny the truth in the face of overwhelming evidence. How do you do that and look in the mirror and live your life? It's really not the cheating that's fascinating, that's human. It's the continued denial that is riveting.
297
It's also fascinating because the constant denial must be exhausting! Just think about how much easier it would be to just say "yes, ok, I skipped a lap" and have it all be over instead of the constant "no, no, no".
1
Self confidence. A manufactured image from unearned praise.
1
Cue up Lance Armstrong. Another shining example.
You cheat. You lose. Period.
18
Yes, that's what we learned in kindergarten, along with a good number of other questionable truisms.
Professional athletes dope up and win; the banks made history by doing it in the run-up to 2008. Yes, they paid some fines (without conceding guilt) and most of them still did fine. We seem to get vicious with our judgment if you get caught, more so than for the cheating itself.
Maybe that's the trope that we should be collectively following here. I suspect Ms Miller is a symptom, not a cause.
Professional athletes dope up and win; the banks made history by doing it in the run-up to 2008. Yes, they paid some fines (without conceding guilt) and most of them still did fine. We seem to get vicious with our judgment if you get caught, more so than for the cheating itself.
Maybe that's the trope that we should be collectively following here. I suspect Ms Miller is a symptom, not a cause.
18
One can only shake their head and feel pity for someone so pathetic. Even when faced with irrefutable evidence Julie Miller clings to her distorted reality. Ban her from future competitions, period.
63
I feel no pity at all.
13
I feel confusion more than pity. She's obviously very athletic and accomplished. I guess she felt her reality wasn't good enough.
Wait, please explain. Seriously. Someone is insecure, narcissistic, humiliated, pathetic... if not pity, or something in that neighborhood, what is the reaction? I mean, what's the alternative?
She cheated, and at this point, her lies might as well keep coming. She has no reasonable explanation, and this is the woman who "lost" her chip TWICE in triathlons. That doesn't happen, and she just keeps digging a deeper hole with her false denials.
70
She cheated in order to gain public acclaim that rightly belonged to other people. That puts her squarely in the public spotlight for her conduct. She's so far down the slippery slope of deceit she has no where to go except to stick to her claim of innocence. And isn't that what the infamous British traitor and double-agent Kim Philby told East German intelligence officials in a rare, filmed speech -- teach your agents to never, ever admit anything.
49
I've never run a triathlon, but is it customary to change clothes during the marathon section? Her attire at the start does not match that at mid-race.
9
Ironman races are so long that athletes will often change into clothing specific for that leg of the event, just to be more comfortable. This usually only happens in longer races.
9
Some runners discard layers over the course of the race as their muscles warm up.
6
It is common to wear layers to keep warm but after the bike? it may have been to keep her warm when she exited the coarse? and/or to create a low profile to confuse everyone
3
What I get from this story is the value of investigative journalism as a tool in pursuit of the truth.
74
"Triathlete Says She Didn't Cheat. Video PROVES Otherwise."
Fixed the headline for you.
Fixed the headline for you.
34
It doesn't prove it. It's logically possible, for example, that FinisherPix somehow altered the video. Maybe someone there doesn't like her, or has another motive. It's not inconceivable, and stranger things have happened.
5
What's truly creepy about Miller's lie is that she must've hidden somewhere in the bush and watched the runners go by so she could jump back into the race ahead of Davis. That shows a perverted mindset that has no place in athletic competitions, amateur or otherwise. Her actions so discredit and harm these events she should be banned from further competitions, either permanently or for some period of time.
66
“I did not cheat in the Whistler Ironman competition, nor would I ever cheat or have I ever cheated in any competition.” - quite the elaboration.
If you want to put an end to cheating, then people who do it need to be barred from their sport for life. How is she any different than Pete Rose? "Slap on the wrist" justice only encourages this. Conversely, what they did to Lance Armstrong sent a very strong message. One which has changed professional cycling for the better.
If you want to put an end to cheating, then people who do it need to be barred from their sport for life. How is she any different than Pete Rose? "Slap on the wrist" justice only encourages this. Conversely, what they did to Lance Armstrong sent a very strong message. One which has changed professional cycling for the better.
50
I don't doubt that she cheated. However, I am curious if the FinisherPix videos also show most of the other race participants passing the same point twice. Her denials become even more ludicrous if it can be shown that everyone else passed that point twice and she did not.
44
I am from Squamish, and love the outdoor culture there. I pity Julie Miller. It is hard to know what motivated her. She should obviously confess, apologize, and move on.
It is not a life or death issue. People are fallible. Forgive and forget.
It is not a life or death issue. People are fallible. Forgive and forget.
29
Ironmen, male or female, are not fallible. Get it straight.
2
At 8 minutes behind at the start of the marathon, Miller also could have lost an additional minute and the camera caught her 9 minutes behind Davis on Miller's and Davis's first laps. Miller therefore skipped the second lap, not the first.
10
The article states that Miller started 8 mins behind Davis at the beginning of the race and by camera 2 was 9 minutes ahead of Davis not behind. If she skipped the second lap (not the first) she would have gained 17 minutes on Davis in 3.8 miles; she skipped the first lap...
9
She only ran one lap, so it is impossible to say which she "skipped". She passed the interim camera 95 minutes into the run. Impossible to believe that if she ran 2 laps that it would have taken her this long to run 3.8 miles on a first lap, cross the spot 9 mins ahead and still finish 5 mins of Davis. For her story to stand up, this must have been her 2nd lap. However to do this her pace would have to have been better than the best man.
Much more likely that she hid somewhere and jumped back in after Davis completed lap 1 but before reaching mile 3.8.
Much more likely that she hid somewhere and jumped back in after Davis completed lap 1 but before reaching mile 3.8.
1
The well of plausible deniability is running dry.
17
One striking fact in the first article, but not this one, is that Julie Miller works as a MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR. If I were her patient, I'd feel pretty uneasy seeing a known pathological liar. I've heard some people go into psychology to study their own problems. Perhaps we have a case of that here.
145
Yes, I'm not a mental health professional, but I've got to say: this case sure makes it hard not to play armchair psychologist.
5
There is a Julie Miller who is a mental health counselor but I don't think the triathlete Julie Miller is the same person.
1
The rewards for winning in our society are huge. The penalties for cheating? Not so much.
32
That is a fundamental truth about capitalism, and why we are in the mess we are today.
1
"I emailed Miller to tell her about the video and ask her if she could explain why it shows her passing the second camera just once. She did not respond."
But she did email you back! She really did!
But she did email you back! She really did!
55
The camera recorded her only once? Now that's fast.
14
Thanks for the follow-up. I don't find it inappropriate or cruel to definitively expose Miller as a cheater and a fake; public censure and shame is an appropriate penalty, and it serves justice to the real winners of the event, who deserve back the victory kudos she stole. However, I do agree with those who feel that our media fixation on extreme-athlete competitions is out of control. Sure, moderate exercise is a crucial element of a healthy life, and we need role models for that. But these kind of extreme athletes are not 'inspirations' or 'heroes'--they're genetically gifted people who also have the kind of drive, egotism, and selfishness you need to devote much of your free time to a sport-- time that other, truly heroic people instead choose to devote to aging parents, children, public safety, community activism, or feeding homeless people. If we stop valorizing athletes so much, psychopaths will not feel a need to pretend to be one.
52
I completely agree with this!
6
"Drive, egotism and selfishness" -- really? Have you ever heard of Dick Hoyt? He pushed his son Rick, who has cerebral palsy, in countless marathons and shorter-distance races, and dragged, cycled and pushed Rick in numerous triathlons, including Ironman competitions. His "selfishness" prompted dozens of groups worldwide to also, with their pathological "egotism," drag, cycle and push competitors who would otherwise not be able to participate in these events. One would require a heart of stone to not be moved -- inspired -- by this man. He is only one of the thousands of amateur athletes who are utterly ungifted genetically, yet take on marathons and triathlons with courage, humility and integrity, raising millions of dollars for charity and overcoming nearly unbearable challenges. If you aren't aware of these heroes amongst us, you are missing out on something truly remarkable. To quote Kathrine Switzer, "If you are losing faith in humanity, go watch a marathon."
12
Sorry Cynthia but not true. I finished my first Ironman last year and work full time for a non-profit organization workin with children in extreme poverty and violence.
We all have very different reasons for being out there and mine is to support the positive part of the world I live in and use it as a platform to raise money and awareness for good. And that's my problem with Julie Miller's cheating...you take away how hard it really is for all of who scratched and clawed our way to a finish. I won't let someone like this take a second away from my accomplishment.
We all have very different reasons for being out there and mine is to support the positive part of the world I live in and use it as a platform to raise money and awareness for good. And that's my problem with Julie Miller's cheating...you take away how hard it really is for all of who scratched and clawed our way to a finish. I won't let someone like this take a second away from my accomplishment.
12
Commit fraud in and against the public, and that is how the fraud will be uncovered. This is not "punishment", it is just the logical consequence of her own choices.
23
She played by her own rules , but she did not break any of them , ergo she did not cheat ! Her own rules are more fair than the "official' rules everyone else followed and more accurately reflect her superior effort etc. - for she would have won following the other rules , if the other ones had fairness and justice as characteristics as her rules do...so she did not break any rules , according to the spirit of them , when we take all variables of fairness and equity into account...after all she would never cheat, as a manner of speaking...
11
The comments that she should be exempt from this kind of reporting, as though she were so fragile she's collapse under the weight of scrutiny, are patronizing and insulting to women. How many of these commenters rushed to the defense of Lance Armstrong and the rest of the cycling frauds? Steroid-abusing baseball players? Are rebuking the withering (and deserved!) criticism of Johnny Manziel for his off-field behavior that has also been extensively covered by this publication?
35
All the examples above except Miller were professionals, hired and paid to do a job. She had a hobby. All but Miller raked in millions in salary and lucrative endorsements.
All but Miller were widely known (to millions) as public figures. Manziel also allegedly committed at least one criminal act. Armstrong faced financial penalties, as he should. Miller also faced penalties as meted out by the her officials. as she should.
The fact that all other people above are male is irrelevant. A nationally known professional female sports figure were found to be cheating, should also face national disgrace. That includes all professional sports, including dog sledding, imo.
I don't recall anyone stating that women in general or Miller are" fragile."
The penalties meted out to Miller by the officials of her hobby were just; the humiliation she faced in her home town was a just consequence.
But exposure of private citizens' hobby cheating, while despicable, is not NYTimes front page material - in my opinion.
All but Miller were widely known (to millions) as public figures. Manziel also allegedly committed at least one criminal act. Armstrong faced financial penalties, as he should. Miller also faced penalties as meted out by the her officials. as she should.
The fact that all other people above are male is irrelevant. A nationally known professional female sports figure were found to be cheating, should also face national disgrace. That includes all professional sports, including dog sledding, imo.
I don't recall anyone stating that women in general or Miller are" fragile."
The penalties meted out to Miller by the officials of her hobby were just; the humiliation she faced in her home town was a just consequence.
But exposure of private citizens' hobby cheating, while despicable, is not NYTimes front page material - in my opinion.
11
Dr. M, I respectfully disagree. Pro or not, she competed in some of her sport's most prestigious international events, at least once officially representing Canada and winning a gold medal now under investigation. Her apparent cheating nearly deprived fellow athletes of honors they'd earned and shut one out of her rightful spot in the world championships. Certainly this is newsworthy, even if she didn't make millions.
Also, all pre-1990s Olympic athletes had to be amateurs. Would cheating by less widely known Olympians have been "hobby cheating" and thus unworthy of "front page" public scrutiny?
Also, all pre-1990s Olympic athletes had to be amateurs. Would cheating by less widely known Olympians have been "hobby cheating" and thus unworthy of "front page" public scrutiny?
17
She ask people to donate money to her, to donate air miles to her and other forms of endorsement. When you engage in fraudulent behavior for monetary gain there are consequences.
I have a suggestion: make her wear two timing chips next time she races. At the very least, she should be disqualified if she loses another timing chip.
Perhaps disqualification for losing a timing chip should be called "the Miller rule."
Perhaps disqualification for losing a timing chip should be called "the Miller rule."
16
Sorry Mike. The rules clearly state NO CHIP / NO TIME.
It aint the first time she's pulled this. No sympathy
It aint the first time she's pulled this. No sympathy
17
Um, instead of the “Miller Rule, how about the “Julie Rule”?
15
How about "It's Miller Time"?
16
I'll bet that she is very normal and straightforward in many aspects of her life, and I have no problem with the court of public opinion with such a cheater on top of the obvious athletic penalties. Smart thing to do would be to come clean and admit her bad choice (and never cheat again.) I think we'd all love to forgive ... but not forget entirely.
6
Someone should really send Ms. Miller a copy of Jon Ronson's "So You've Been Publicly Shamed".
10
Apparently, she uses her (false) triathlon achievements to promote her company. On top of that, she's supposedly been extremely aggressive on social media, often calling into question the credibility of her accusers. Good reporting answers the question, which is what this story did, rather than "allow the debate to continue," which is a tactic used by liars ranging from triathlon cheaters to vaccine conspiracists to global warming deniers. The debate is settled, the proof is in the pudding.
In some ways, she reminds me of the Columbine mom who has made a small fortune giving speeches about how her daughter was sked if she believed in God, said "yes" and was killed, even though that's been debunked thoroughly by, among others, the girl who was right next to the victim when she was killed. There's a pathology to insisting on believing the lie, and exploiting the lie. I think Miller's pathology is the real story here.
In some ways, she reminds me of the Columbine mom who has made a small fortune giving speeches about how her daughter was sked if she believed in God, said "yes" and was killed, even though that's been debunked thoroughly by, among others, the girl who was right next to the victim when she was killed. There's a pathology to insisting on believing the lie, and exploiting the lie. I think Miller's pathology is the real story here.
101
Well said!
9
I think we should name this form of cheating the "Lance Syndrome" or "Livestrong". Lance Armstrong certainly was cheating for greater gain and the stakes were higher as in millions of $$$ endorsements and worldwide accolade. Yet, the personality flaws are the same. They are both narcissists, pathological liars and have never ever thought about the real consequences of their actions both to themselves and the athletes that were robbed of their own achievements.
10
Is it too obvious? Call it "Liestrong."
15
Don't bring Livestrong into this. They are a respected organization and separate from Lance the Cheat.
3
People cheating in amateur sports reminds me of people who claim to be war heroes but we're never in combat. Some people think Madoff concocted his scheme not to make money but because he wanted people to think he could outsmart Wall Street. Many people embellish their resume or add colleges they never attended. Vanity.
12
I don't understand what Ms. Miller is getting out of the cheating, and moreover, how she expected to get away with it with all the tracking technology on the course. How did she think that all of this was going to end?
19
Well done investigative reporting and with the 'new era' contribution of FinisherPix. While pervasive photo and video recording has its drawbacks, it certainly also has its contributions.
14
inject tracking chips in everyone and form hive consciousness!
6
Pathological liars are fascinating because to normal people their behavior is completely incomprehensible. I once shared an apartment with a pathological liar along the vein of Julie Miller. She would tell enormously tall tales about her supposed accomplishments, all clearly lies to anyone with any sense of normalcy. But she had no cognition that her listeners knew she was lying, even when confronted. I learned from that experience that people with this pathology never back down on their lies. Their disease is embedded in their brain and psyche and to acknowledge it would probably send them into a catatonic state. The scary part of this is my former roommate went on to become a VP in a company that does contract work for the Department of Defense.
36
Karen - one of the people who commented on the original article on Julie Miller recommended reading "Snakes in Suits" which is about psychopaths in the work place, how they are able to get hired by and advance within companies to positions of power, often ruining the careers of others along the way. It is an interesting read.
7
This reminds me of a study performed a few years ago that essentially conclude that "the ignorant are ignorant of their ignorance". Pathological liars seem to not to choose to lie so much as are incapable of the truth.
9
I there is evidence of a general pattern of lying, I've missed it. The world is full of people who were raised to believe that (what the rest of us call) ethical principles are for losers. These people are not pathological liars.
3
Everybody cheats. The frequency and magnitude varies. How many times have we cheated at something today?
4
Chuck, I don't cheat. Ever.
9
You aren't right, but if you had been, what would have been your point?
1
No, Chuck, we do not all cheat. Some of us just trudge along, doing the best we can. We win some, and lose some, but we don't cheat.
11
Why have so many people, in so many walks of life, lost track of right vs. wrong?
15
The key to this story's publication is in this sentence: "After The New York Times published the article, I was contacted by FinisherPix, a company that creates personal highlight videos for athletes..." I think FinisherPix saw in this story an opportunity for some free publicity by reviewing their video and providing the results to the Times. Had their been a new development in the story, such as a new detailed denial from Miller, there would have been reason to offer new corroborating info, such as these videos. Without it, the Times was an unwitting platform for a specialized niche company to get some free publicity.
7
That's harsh. FinisherPix has provided solid proof here.
3
Seriously? Mentioning the company may have been a small benefit to them, but this article was hardly an infomercial. What it did do is give pretty much irrefutable evidence on top of existing analysis to indicate Miller cheated, which should put an end to any lingering doubts (if any existed).
3
Or, perhaps the people at FinisherPix were as offended as were others by Ms. Miller's obvious cheating, and were in a unique position to present conclusive evidence to rebut her claims. Why must there be an ulterior motive to every action?
5
What is amazing is that she still tries to prove her innocence. I guess this is the true sign of a sociopath/narcissist. I feel bad for her kids.
19
A fascinating article with great follow up. Perhaps because I'm a runner I find it so interesting and also the pathological urge to cheat. Perhaps there was also sufficient prize money up for grabs that could help her business? I don't know.
The facts are as she started the marathon her time was recorded. The course is a up and back with a 4-5 mile loop. At the 1.8M / 13.8M timing mat she was photographed without her chip 1-1/2 hours after finishing the bike and closely following the men leaders. Obviously it didn't take her 1-1/2 hrs to run 1.8M so we must assume she's crossing it for the first time at 13.8M on the "second" lap.
The camera at the 3.8M (17.6M) mark only recorded her once so we must also assume it's on her "second" lap. Susanne Davis was eight minutes ahead at the start of the run and did not notice Miller pass her. Looking at the photos of the course I think she would have. The first 4-5 miles of the course it is a loop. It appears to me Miller left the course on the first lap before the 1.8M mat and waited in the trees and then reentered 1-1/2 hrs later to start the second lap or she cut across the loop and reentered the race after the 3.8M video camera. This would cut out approx 4-5 miles and she could comfortably cross the 13.8M mat around 1-1/2 hrs later.
She would have had to plan this beforehand and scope out the course (pretty normal) activity) to select her exit and entrance. She obviously knew about the timing mat but not about the video camera.
The facts are as she started the marathon her time was recorded. The course is a up and back with a 4-5 mile loop. At the 1.8M / 13.8M timing mat she was photographed without her chip 1-1/2 hours after finishing the bike and closely following the men leaders. Obviously it didn't take her 1-1/2 hrs to run 1.8M so we must assume she's crossing it for the first time at 13.8M on the "second" lap.
The camera at the 3.8M (17.6M) mark only recorded her once so we must also assume it's on her "second" lap. Susanne Davis was eight minutes ahead at the start of the run and did not notice Miller pass her. Looking at the photos of the course I think she would have. The first 4-5 miles of the course it is a loop. It appears to me Miller left the course on the first lap before the 1.8M mat and waited in the trees and then reentered 1-1/2 hrs later to start the second lap or she cut across the loop and reentered the race after the 3.8M video camera. This would cut out approx 4-5 miles and she could comfortably cross the 13.8M mat around 1-1/2 hrs later.
She would have had to plan this beforehand and scope out the course (pretty normal) activity) to select her exit and entrance. She obviously knew about the timing mat but not about the video camera.
62
Sarah Lyall has done us a remarkable service by this meticulous reporting in that there is no possible question of the cheating and what is left is to understand the absence of sporting integrity that undermines every other racer with no remorse expressed or evident.
67
Thanks for the update, this is fascinating.
59
There are many cheaters in professional sports, and no need to name them, but in the amateur ranks few names stand out like Rosie Ruiz, who clamed the Boston Marathon title before it was revealed she faked her run. She has never backed down from her story. Or the marathon running dentist, profiled by Mark Singer in The New Yorker, http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2012/08/06/marathon-man
who actually even faked a website to "prove" he ran a marathon. He too has been exposed and never backed down. It's sad, but when caught in a lie many people, even Presidents, can't admit they have done wrong.
who actually even faked a website to "prove" he ran a marathon. He too has been exposed and never backed down. It's sad, but when caught in a lie many people, even Presidents, can't admit they have done wrong.
12
Busted!
31
Wow. Thank you for the 2nd article. I disagree with some of the other commentators. This woman deserves to be totally humiliated for her shameful behavior. Hopefully, she will go crawl under a big rock where she belongs. One hopes this will stop other jerks from perpetuating the same 'win at any price' behavior not to mention give a bit of moral guidance to some of the other commentators. This moral relativism is out of control. Yikes!
53
What's actually most disturbing to me are the comments posted here saying things like "leave the girl alone" and otherwise attempting to make Ms. Miller out as a victim of some sort. These comments reflect a peculiar damaged national sensibility. Certainly a woman who so brazenly cheats in a high profile competition, and then lies about it, has engaged in conduct which merits the attention of the media and the outrage of the public. And her conduct has produced real victims--all the legitimate runners who lost positioning and opportunity due to her cheating, and the general degradation to what is supposed to be healthy and happy competition. And this is not just generic cheating, it truly does have a depraved and psychopathic quality to it. So: Why all the defenders of a person who has engaged in such repulsive conduct? No one is suggesting that she deserves the death penalty, but she certainly deserves to be called on, and branded for, her despicable efforts and her seeming comfort with winning as a cheater. To suggest otherwise is almost equally disturbing.
409
LG - I don't love the "piling on" and I certainly hope that Ms Miller is strong enough to withstand the terrible publicity; I want no one hurt, even if the cause of the injury is self-inflicted.
But I have to agree with you. Comments which would give Ms Miller a pass do "reflect a peculiar damaged national sensibility." (Excellent phrasing.) Why call it out? Because how else do we defend that we do not cheat on tests, lie on resumes, plagiarize, take credit for other people's work, fiddle the numbers on our taxes, and otherwise just shoot the concept of ethics, honor and personal integrity through the heart. Do we really want to say that integrity and honor don't matter, as long as no one got hurt?
I find the idea that cheating disturbs people comforting.
But I have to agree with you. Comments which would give Ms Miller a pass do "reflect a peculiar damaged national sensibility." (Excellent phrasing.) Why call it out? Because how else do we defend that we do not cheat on tests, lie on resumes, plagiarize, take credit for other people's work, fiddle the numbers on our taxes, and otherwise just shoot the concept of ethics, honor and personal integrity through the heart. Do we really want to say that integrity and honor don't matter, as long as no one got hurt?
I find the idea that cheating disturbs people comforting.
23
Nobody is piling on. The only piling here is the stack of manure that Miller has presented to the public. Maybe she will build a big beautiful wall of denial with it and have us pay for it.
Every time Miller denies it, it is legitimate to offer real proof that she is a liar. If Miller wants it to end, she should provide definitive proof of her innocence, or admit her fraud and fade away. Her own continued lying perpetuates this story.
Every time Miller denies it, it is legitimate to offer real proof that she is a liar. If Miller wants it to end, she should provide definitive proof of her innocence, or admit her fraud and fade away. Her own continued lying perpetuates this story.
22
I feel sad for her precisely because this is bizarre and pathological behavior. I think her life as she has known it is now over. I wouldn't wish that on anyone. There is a difference between feeling sympathy and condoning.
3
As a middle aged triathlete myself, I feel only pity for Miller. What possible enjoyment can she be getting out of the sport? I think the reporter already proved his point in the last article. Let's hope
gets the help she needs.
gets the help she needs.
21
She can't get help til she acknowledges she has a problem and that she has lied and cheated. Until then, she is continues to lie to the public, and the public has the right and duty to expose the truth.
8
Isn't the intense interest in this woman the bigger story? I can't imagine I'm the only one who has felt just a little uncomfortable at so many people's energetic denunciations of a woman who was completely unknown before the original story was published.
Something weird is going on here. I suspect that people aren't as interested in enforcing honesty in sports as they are in the odd pleasure that comes from helping to turn the spotlight on a sinner. To be clear, I have zero sympathy for Julie Miller's obvious attempts at deception, but I do wonder about the pressures that might induce a person to cheat at a race when the only value in winning is prestige, just as I wonder why so many people are just as inexplicably offering furious denunciations of some obscure suburban hobby-athlete. Frankly, the two things seem to have a common motive: the feeling of being better than someone else.
Something weird is going on here. I suspect that people aren't as interested in enforcing honesty in sports as they are in the odd pleasure that comes from helping to turn the spotlight on a sinner. To be clear, I have zero sympathy for Julie Miller's obvious attempts at deception, but I do wonder about the pressures that might induce a person to cheat at a race when the only value in winning is prestige, just as I wonder why so many people are just as inexplicably offering furious denunciations of some obscure suburban hobby-athlete. Frankly, the two things seem to have a common motive: the feeling of being better than someone else.
37
The only value in winning is not prestige. Per the first article, the value of winning was an invitation to Kona. If she had not been caught, she would have deprived another athlete from competing in that competition.
11
I think most of us have an interest because we participate in these type of events. It also is not a local yokel hobby contest. Many many people put in thousands of hours of work to get an invite to Kona for the ironman. Just because its not a big 4 sport doesn't make it the equivalent of cheating in a charity 5k in Poughkeepsie.
6
D,
She was building a business based on her achievements as an elite athlete. So, in fact, prestige was not all she was seeking. She was also seeking financial reward.
She was building a business based on her achievements as an elite athlete. So, in fact, prestige was not all she was seeking. She was also seeking financial reward.
1
As a ranked Ironman All World Athlete, I’ll never understand the cheaters in our sport. Without fanfare (except a few friends and family) we amateurs train for hundreds, sometimes thousands of hours every year simply to challenge our own physical and mental limits. Ms. Miller has clearly lost sense of what is important in the sport.
For those who claim the story of is no importance and beneath The NYT, note that each year tens of thousands of amateur athletes compete in hundreds of Ironman races around the globe. Entry fees can range from $300-$700 per event. Add equipment, travel, lodging etc. and it’s a significant investment of time and money. Those who cheat (sadly Ms. Miller is not the only one), steal from all the other athletes who participate in the sport.
For those who claim the story of is no importance and beneath The NYT, note that each year tens of thousands of amateur athletes compete in hundreds of Ironman races around the globe. Entry fees can range from $300-$700 per event. Add equipment, travel, lodging etc. and it’s a significant investment of time and money. Those who cheat (sadly Ms. Miller is not the only one), steal from all the other athletes who participate in the sport.
234
If you know there are others, maybe it would be good to hear about them also. Might put her actions in some context.
Thanks for the comment. I'm a 7x IM finisher and probably on the cusp (with still a lot of work) to Kona qualification. Like you mentioned, all the hours, money, work/family sacrifice; it's just disheartening to lose a dream opportunity to cheaters. It makes me question if I should even push harder to go for Kona or just turn my attention to another hobby.
This is just one example, but as you know, there are likely many more age group PED users, bib mules, etc...who take spots away who put in the work.
This is just one example, but as you know, there are likely many more age group PED users, bib mules, etc...who take spots away who put in the work.
1
Maybe she's not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. She should have done due diligence and checked out the positions of all the cameras before she thought about a way to cheat! She's just a poor ego-driven soul and she got what she deserved.
5
She did not respond, because she knows - finally - that her cheating has been confirmed and publicly exposed. It was clear after reading the first article that she has a track record of questionable results, and this is just icing on the cake, so to speak. Or the smoking gun, if you prefer.
18
This may be a simple matter of pathology -- many pathological liars convince themselves that their lies are truths, which would explain the vehemence of their self defense. That said, this is an awful lot of time and energy put into analyzing some recreational running races. Finishing a triathlon among the top (or anywhere), says little about this person, or any other, as a mom, dad, husband or wife. It just shows she devotes a lot of free time and energy to working out. That a top finisher in a recreational triathlon would be "an inspiration" is baffling. Why not be inspired by the parent that works full time, cares for foster kids, volunteers at school, raises money for cancer research, etc...i.e. a million other things people do for others.
36
I agree with you 100%
8
You are right. Your position in the triathlon says nothing.
But committing a fraud and then attacking and lying about the triathlon DOES say a lot about a person.
But committing a fraud and then attacking and lying about the triathlon DOES say a lot about a person.
12
Let every runner wear a GPS tracking chip on them. That tracking chip should be a necklace worn around the neck and look like a dog collar with spikes which are the antennas.
3
I have been a cyclist for 30 years and competed in triathlons. Every serious athlete wears a Garmin, or is on Strava, and or uses some sort of GPS device to measure stats on their activity. I blew up the NYTIMES photo as best I could and Julie is more than likely wearing a Garmin or similar device. All she needed to do over the past few years is produce one readout. I am betting she won't. They are hard to fake.
17
This was discussed in the first article. She was asked to produce data from the GPS tracking device the photos show her wearing. She did not do that.
11
In the first story, it was reported that Julie Miller was asked by race officials to provide supporting evidence -- including data from her running/sports watch -- that her finishing time was legit. She couldn't provide that info, which I find very strange. We endurance athletes are numbers junkies -- most of us record our training runs and races on our Garmin or other sports watch and sync them online. So it's odd that Julie didn't have that info.
11
Not odd, Rhea, but totally incriminating. If she was legit she could have proven it within an hour.
What's inscrutable to me is race officals failure to enforce the "no chip/no time rule." In her case, she managed to wheedle her way to a time without chip confirmation twice in Ironman races, and once in a mountain bike race. What are the odds?
What's inscrutable to me is race officals failure to enforce the "no chip/no time rule." In her case, she managed to wheedle her way to a time without chip confirmation twice in Ironman races, and once in a mountain bike race. What are the odds?
5
I was surprised that a competitor who "loses" his/her chip is not disqualified on that basis. Isn't the purpose of chip timing to make the results scientific and unquestionable?
36
Let's go to the camera. The last sentence of the article says it all.
4
I think it was pretty clearly established that she cheated: she's been banned, ostracized from her community, and shamed internationally. Do we need to continue to prosecute her here? What does that do for anyone except to cause Miller psychological harm and risk. Triathlon is an admirable and grown-up sport, let's keep our heads above water.
6
Well, Owen, this article was written because Ms. Miller denied having cheated, and some may have had doubts whether that was really true or not... This is documentary proof that she cheated, so yes, it was newsworthy and this article had to be published.
It's unfortunate that Ms. Miller will suffer psychological harm because of her own cheating, but that is how the world is supposed to work. It seems that you would prefer a world where people commit bad acts and live in a consequence-free environment...
It's unfortunate that Ms. Miller will suffer psychological harm because of her own cheating, but that is how the world is supposed to work. It seems that you would prefer a world where people commit bad acts and live in a consequence-free environment...
133
We really need to take care of others, especially those who transgress and are punished. That's the world I hope to live in.
There is no doubt she is reading every single one of these comments.
There is no doubt she is reading every single one of these comments.
11
It causes *her* psychological harm to build a case that she cheated and robbed the race from other people?
Why are you so worried about the perpetrator's feelings, but not about justice for the victims?
Why are you so worried about the perpetrator's feelings, but not about justice for the victims?
Julie Miller found a way to "cheat" and fool the organizers into believing that she won the race. Maybe it should be a lesson to the organizers to make sure they don't have silly "double" loops in their race to allow such glaring errors to occur in a race. This is Canada for crying out aloud, not Singapore. There is plenty of running space in Canada without loops! Less loops more advertising space!
11
Or, "no chip, no time," and MEAN IT.
4
As the dearly departed Henny Youngman once said: Man comes home and finds his wife in bed with another man. She says, "What are you going to believe? Me, or your own eyes?"
21
We have seen honest athletes make honest mistakes and accept the consequences honorably. (For example: those of you who follow golf more closely than I do will remember the guy a summer or two ago who won a tournament but forgot to sign the log book when he was done; it cost him the win and a lot of money.)
If this was an honest mistake, Miller would (or at least could) have admitted it when her title was stripped, and no hard feelings. If she was cheating and got caught, claiming confusion about the route would have been a relatively easy way to preserve her credibility for future races.
If you decide to stick to your story come hell or high water, and then along come hell and high water --- that's when you get in trouble.
If this was an honest mistake, Miller would (or at least could) have admitted it when her title was stripped, and no hard feelings. If she was cheating and got caught, claiming confusion about the route would have been a relatively easy way to preserve her credibility for future races.
If you decide to stick to your story come hell or high water, and then along come hell and high water --- that's when you get in trouble.
26
There is a category for women 40 to 44 years old. May be there should be even more categories (by weight, height, place of birth, race, etc.) so that everyone can be a winner and get a medal.
4
Obviously the overall winners get the real glory and endorsements, but as people age these grouping provide an opportunity for people to still compete and see how they match up against peers. Lou Hollander finished the Kona Ironman at age 81 and beat out another gentleman in his age group. No one is pretending Lou is faster or better than an athlete in in 30s, but it is still a great accomplishment. These age groupings provide an opportunity for people to continue to push and test themselves even as they are past their biological peak.
24
Why not just give everyone a 1st place hooray! Ravi Kumar, you are first place in the Ravi Kumar Triathlon! A very elite race whose only qualification is that you are Ravi Kumar!
4
Not sure I understand. She was 9 minutes back at the start of the marathon but 8 min ahead at mile 3.8 or at mile 7.6? As I innderstand it at mile 7.6.
Either way, that gain is stupendous.
But you have her on video, where, at mile 7.8?
What was her time then for the first 7.8 miles when she evidently made up 17 minutes on 2d place? Figure out the mile you have her on video and determine if it is possible for anyone to run that 7.8 miles on her time.
Why you wd do all this work and not figure her split time is beyond me.
No clean racer can run an impossible split.
Either way, that gain is stupendous.
But you have her on video, where, at mile 7.8?
What was her time then for the first 7.8 miles when she evidently made up 17 minutes on 2d place? Figure out the mile you have her on video and determine if it is possible for anyone to run that 7.8 miles on her time.
Why you wd do all this work and not figure her split time is beyond me.
No clean racer can run an impossible split.
7
It's a two lap course for a full marathon. So the laps I believe are approx. 12.1 miles each (depending on the run-up into the laps) and the camera is set up to record at the 3.8 mile and the 15.9 mile markers. Basically Davis passed it at a certain time, Miller only passed it once (95 minutes after Davis' first pass and 9 minutes before Davis' second pass), so it seems that Davis probably took a 60 minute break somewhere while skipping a 12 mile run before jumping in and running the last 12 miles.
7
She only passed that point once when she was required to pass it twice. Her split time is no more relevant than mine and I wasn't even in the race. In some ways, neither was she.
15
She made up 17 minutes over 16.9 miles in 95 minutes. So, 5.6 minute miles. That's just behind world record marathon pace, not bad for having (allegedly) swum 2.4 miles and biked 112 miles first. The fastest women's ironman run leg is about 6.5 minute miles.
5
I guess this is an interesting story and it's disheartening to read that such cheating takes place. At the same time, I don't really understand why the Times is devoting so much energy to taking down a fairly obscure athlete who is not a public figure, at least certainly not for the average Times reader. Why are we investigating whether a Canadian triathlete named Julie Miller cheated? I mean, it would make sense as part of a larger story about cheating, but the original article and this update are so focused on this single fairly random and obscure person that it becomes kind of weird and, in my view, inappropriate. I end up feeling more sorry for her that outraged.
19
How is this person "random"? How many people cheat in multiple competitions to get first place? The fact that it is an amateur event makes it more newsworthy in some ways.
Do you read every article in the times, even if they are not interesting to you? Do you reply to every spam email with a note questioning its relevance to yourself?
Do you read every article in the times, even if they are not interesting to you? Do you reply to every spam email with a note questioning its relevance to yourself?
9
agree, she deserves compassion rather than derision. and this ran under "top stories" section. the Times seems to go off on some rather inappropriate detours itself, file this with the brilliant movie review that focused on Ben stiller's appearance.
Wow, don't mess with the NYTimes. Gonna squash you like a bug. OK, she's a cheater in an IronPerson. Got it.
10
We get it. She cheated. She's been stripped of her prize and banned from the sport. Case closed. What is this reporter trying to get her to do? Commit suicide? What is the point of this witch hunt? Frankly, I am more concerned about, oh, I don't know, little things like the outcome of November's election, for example.
22
Perhaps then avoid the "Sports" section of the Times website and click on "Politics". That's the great thing about the NYTimes...there is something for everyone.
21
I'll wager an admission of guilt would end the 'Witch Hunt'.
5
So honor and honesty don't matter? You feel inconvenienced because a reporter has found conclusive proof of cheating? What exactly would matter to you in a competitive sport?
5
The ones who can lie without hesitation or any hint that they do not fully believe what they are saying are the scary ones. There is really no defense against this kind of liar other than this kind of proof.
44
I must have rose-colored glasses in thinking that rigorous and extreme competitions such as triathlons (and marathons) attracts athletes with a certain level of honor and who are more interested in their endurance and ability to just finish than first prize, but I think that on the whole this remains true (think of the marathoners who recently carried a fellow runner in distress) Julie Miller makes a sad figure.
11
Does it really matter? I mean if she had cheated in her med school exams and was now doing life-saving heart surgery, then I would be worried. But, come on, an obscure event that matters to a relatively few die-hards is not worthy of so much print . . .
5
It matters as an example of the ongoing cultural rot that has taken place in the Western world. Cheating matters in all aspects of life and should not be tolerated.
6
Well, you read it... The number of comments (even those minimizing it) shows that this is an issue that people are interested in.
Its important because she denied the accusations that were made. This is the first hard proof that those accusations were correct.
Its important because she denied the accusations that were made. This is the first hard proof that those accusations were correct.
21
Maybe not worthy of "print", but internet real estate is cheap.
1
Course cameras very common for verifying results in multi-lap cycling races. Does not seem to much of a stretch for officials to run video to verify results.
6
A woman cheated at sports. Updates not required. Sheesh. Let it go. What's the obsession? She'll be punished plenty with bad knees in a few years time; piling on with "journalism" isn't necessary.
8
Okay then, by your logic, "Kardashians exist. Updates not required."
NYT did a good job w this one.
NYT did a good job w this one.
6
There's no "pile-on." She got caught; she denied it; more evidence came out, even more convincingly against her claims; she continues to deny. Where's the "pile-on"? The ball's in her court.
Having beaten a dead horse, rubbed salt to the wound, and kicked her around and around, shall we now give Julie Miller a bit of slack and say, as some commenters suggested, that she may have really lost her time chip (maybe a bear grabbed it from her ankle while she was running in the woods); she then got disoriented and sincerely believed she finished the course? No proof of time as in time chip lost means no gold medal. Ironman officials ought to make that a requirement, ni exceptions. Let's give this woman a break now. She may truly believe she finished the course. If she's making it up, two things will happen: 1) she will do it in other aspects of her life. It is not a one-off event; 2) she must go to a therapist and fix her psyche.
5
I agree that proof of time should be required. Until that point though, cheaters need to be shamed - otherwise its a strategy that has a great upside (Kona! Money!) and absolutely no downside, which will do nothing but encourage more people to try it on for size.
16
She is clearly a pathological liar who's getting her undeserved fifteen minutes of fame in the media for being a liar and a cheat. She is now barred from all competition, just let her fade away into obscurity. She's the one who has to spend the rest of her life living with her lies, the rest of us don't need to be in on her misery.
6
Some of you defenders possibly haven't read the first piece. Triathlon at that level is serious whether or not you are "pro". Other women in her age group also have a family and kids and work and compete yo go to the big race in October, Kona Ironman. So to dismiss this as no big deal, or where's better proof, she may have cheated another women out of her dreams to go to Kona because she stole her qualifying spot. AND this wasn't her first time cheating. It's disgusting that a grown adult would do this for her ego. Also, to think NYT should report on bigger stories, this is a story of what our society is coming to. It's OK to cheat in sports, work, life because.....?
226
I'm not reading many "defenders" just people that are trying to avoid bullying someone after they've already been caught and shamed.
10
It shows you these events don't get enough respect.
No doubt the people criticizing do not compete in athletic events. Or anything related to sports.
No doubt the people criticizing do not compete in athletic events. Or anything related to sports.
1
I disagree, and apparently so does Miller. She still maintains that she did not cheat and has not been caught.
I do agree with some of the other comments that it does seem like there is some type of mental health issue at work here. Miller clearly cheated, and what's more as an experienced runner she would know that photographs and videos are now omnipresent at even small races. Without much work it would be easy to track her movements on the course. Is she trying to get caught?
8
Last time this came up, there were a lot of folks (including me) who started to feel badly for Ms. Miller, who questioned whether she should be publicly shamed for such a minor crime; no one was harmed, no money stolen, and so on, this is just a fairly meaningless little competition that means nothing to anybody who isn't participating in it.
But I think with this latest blatant evidence that she cheated, and with her still adamantly refusing to apologize or admit to it, I think this has gotten to the level of Lance denial and it's fine to shame her. She's being so brazen about cheating that she should be held up as an example, to try to prevent others from doing the same. Make it clear how easy it is for technology to prove, beyond doubt, that she cheated, and others will think twice about trying it.
Also I think it'd be best to ban her permanently from all professional and amateur sporting competitions. Best way to make an example of her is with such an extreme punishment, and I've no doubt that her pathology would cause her to cheat again, even in a picnic's potato sack race.
But I think with this latest blatant evidence that she cheated, and with her still adamantly refusing to apologize or admit to it, I think this has gotten to the level of Lance denial and it's fine to shame her. She's being so brazen about cheating that she should be held up as an example, to try to prevent others from doing the same. Make it clear how easy it is for technology to prove, beyond doubt, that she cheated, and others will think twice about trying it.
Also I think it'd be best to ban her permanently from all professional and amateur sporting competitions. Best way to make an example of her is with such an extreme punishment, and I've no doubt that her pathology would cause her to cheat again, even in a picnic's potato sack race.
44
There is simply no explanation as to why she is in the video only once; iron clad proof that she's lying. As a modest age group triathlete, it would be very disheartening if someone cheated and ended up with the third podium spot that should have been mine. Here, she was literally stealing the chance of the 4th place finisher to go to the Kona Ironman triathlon championship, a dream of all Ironmen and Ironwomen. In the small world of amateur age group triathletes that's a BIG deal.
28
You say "no money was stolen", you are wrong! Money was stolen, air miles were stolen and other forms of support were stolen. She was on the radio and in the media asking for donations from people. She was also awarded prize money that she did not rightfully win.
3
There is only one word for Julie Miller: cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater, cheater.
With a person like her, she should never be allowed in a legitimate competition again.
With a person like her, she should never be allowed in a legitimate competition again.
9
I completed my eighth Boston Marathon last week. While I am not anywhere close to being an age group winner, I work hard, like many others, to get to Boston each year. I have no doubt that among the approximately 30,000 other people running the race there are those who cheated to get there.
While I am happy when cheaters are uncovered and disqualified, I do not see the need to humiliate them. Yes, the evidence against Ms. Miller indicates that she cut the course. She should be disqualified and banned from future races; at least for a certain time period. Does she deserve the public shaming of Ms. Yyall’s initial piece and this followup? My answer is no. Personally, I am disgusted with the NYTimes for deciding this was newsworthy. Cyber bullying comes in many forms. This is one of them.
While I am happy when cheaters are uncovered and disqualified, I do not see the need to humiliate them. Yes, the evidence against Ms. Miller indicates that she cut the course. She should be disqualified and banned from future races; at least for a certain time period. Does she deserve the public shaming of Ms. Yyall’s initial piece and this followup? My answer is no. Personally, I am disgusted with the NYTimes for deciding this was newsworthy. Cyber bullying comes in many forms. This is one of them.
14
How does calling out a pathological liar who refuses to take any personal responsibility for her violations constitute "cyber bullying?" Sorry Const, not buying it on any level.
100
Thank you for the courage to question the NYT cyber approach here.
Nope. No cyber-bullying. Just a fair-minded effort -- twice -- to get an apparent miscreant to explain herself.
1
Two thoughts. First, I don't think the follow up article is piling on. It's simply bolstering the facts from the previous story and I hope that the Times would similarly follow up if they'd made a terrible mistake. The notion of piling on is that Ms. Miller piled on. She not only cheated to win, but then protested to get the win, and got her way. This likely isn't the first time she cheated either, unless you think that most DUI arrests are on people who "only did it this one time." Amateur athletes who compete at these levels sacrifice a lot to compete, as do their families, and, ironically Ms. Miller knows this and I suspect knew how bad the crapstorm would be if she ever got caught cheating. Second, there's no stolen glory or stolen valor here. If someone clothed themselves in glory then they did, and it can't be usurped or stolen. I compete in ultracycling. I don't win anything, but get pleasure from turning in a PR whenever I can. I don't have stickers on my car, and I couldn't care less whether the people with the stickers actually did anything. That's the unfortunate part of sport. People seem to tie their self-worth up in results and whether they're recognized. People like that, indeed Ms. Miller, and her ilk, ought to examine why it is that they compete (and cheat).
85
No piling on here, compilation of facts that support the original article.
Miller disputes the article, which means, "show me the proof"!
The videos show the proof!
QED
Miller disputes the article, which means, "show me the proof"!
The videos show the proof!
QED
31
Actually, that is quite fair. I had been wondering about why this needed to be belabored, but she did issue a flat denial, which is basically asking for more.
I'm still a little stunned by the ferocity of the comments -- what she did was gross and wrong, but the article about Dennis Hastert, our former Speaker of the House who was a serial child molester is getting fewer hits.
Let's maybe put things in perspective. Also, for all the people out there claiming they have "never" cheated ever -- really? You never ran a red light? You never cheated on your diet? You never blew something off? Who knew there were so many perfect people who come to this site.
And for the men, especially: I am assuming this means that you have always been faithful to your wife/husband? Statistically speaking, one in every four of you claiming not to have ever cheated is lying.
I'm still a little stunned by the ferocity of the comments -- what she did was gross and wrong, but the article about Dennis Hastert, our former Speaker of the House who was a serial child molester is getting fewer hits.
Let's maybe put things in perspective. Also, for all the people out there claiming they have "never" cheated ever -- really? You never ran a red light? You never cheated on your diet? You never blew something off? Who knew there were so many perfect people who come to this site.
And for the men, especially: I am assuming this means that you have always been faithful to your wife/husband? Statistically speaking, one in every four of you claiming not to have ever cheated is lying.
Unlike skipping a section of a marathon, 'running a red light' can be done accidentally.
'Cheating on a diet' isn't so different from the type of cheating allegedly done by Miller, that there is no comparison between them. The ONLY person hurt if you don't follow the diet plan you come up with is you. However, cheating in a competition to claim an unearned victory hurts everyone else who in that competition AND makes it easier for others to justify trying to find their own ways to cheat.
'Cheating on a diet' isn't so different from the type of cheating allegedly done by Miller, that there is no comparison between them. The ONLY person hurt if you don't follow the diet plan you come up with is you. However, cheating in a competition to claim an unearned victory hurts everyone else who in that competition AND makes it easier for others to justify trying to find their own ways to cheat.
1
Why's everyone harping on her so much? Cutting corners, cheating - it's the American way. Look at all the examples, the Republican voter restriction laws, the cheating on the NYPD exams, the banking scandals, VW (granted, not American, but it happened here). In our country, it's not cheating that's bad, it's getting caught.
3
Dear Mike NYC,
Sure, it's the American way, as we have a tendency to be overweight, undereducated, lazy, and mendacious. Which explains Trump's support. But this is Canada, and Ms. Miller is Canadian, and they're supposed to be better than that.
Sure, it's the American way, as we have a tendency to be overweight, undereducated, lazy, and mendacious. Which explains Trump's support. But this is Canada, and Ms. Miller is Canadian, and they're supposed to be better than that.
19
" Cutting corners, cheating - it's the American way. "
But she's a Canadian.
But she's a Canadian.
13
Mr. Stackhouse,
Perhaps we should be better than that, but alas, not all of us are! (At least there were enough of us who elected an articulate, fair-minded PM in the last election, though.) Good luck in November.
Perhaps we should be better than that, but alas, not all of us are! (At least there were enough of us who elected an articulate, fair-minded PM in the last election, though.) Good luck in November.
3
I'm loving this story and the reporting, but poor Julie Miller, what a conundrum. Does she stick with the lie and keep digging herself deeper, or find forgiveness (not to mention more money than she probably made racing) by confessing at the altar of morning TV, I reckon they would eat this up!
6
Pathological liars can be very conniving and very convincing at the same time.
I think Julie Miller is Tania Head's twin.
You can read all about her below. Normal folks can never hope to figure out what goes on in their head.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_Esteve_Head
I think Julie Miller is Tania Head's twin.
You can read all about her below. Normal folks can never hope to figure out what goes on in their head.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alicia_Esteve_Head
6
The evidence accumulates, and Julie Miller looks more and more like a pathological liar. The picture forming in the media reveals a woman suffering from a severe disorder - an complete lack of conscience and a total commitment to her imaginary world. Time to schedule a visit to the neighborhood psychiatrist! And please - stay out of the races so that the rest of us can have an honest race.
24
When I read the original article I was impressed by the amount of research and data collection the other athletes conducted in order make the case that Miller had cheated. It included timing chip data, personal accounts, photos, pace estimates, relative performance of other athletes, etc. Amazing that none of them bothered to check with the company that was filming the entire race.
41
People say, Sad, sad, so sad that she cheated and lied about it. I'm not so sure. If it's sad, then natural selection is sad. A persistent, sizable fraction of us has been selected to cheat and lie. That's us. Feeling righteous at Miller's expense is also us.
5
Suggesting that lying and cheating are caused by natural selection, and not a personal choice, is absurd.
17
I love how the times continues its assault on this private citizen. Sure she cheated, but now she's also a national pariah.
10
Rather, Miller assaulted the Triathlon World when she cheated her way to a first place finish. Had she not been found out, she would have been the winner.
And you think that should go unchallenged?
And you think that should go unchallenged?
19
Assault certainly seems like an overblown description, as does pariah.
So the Times should just ignore cheating in sports? What is the level to which it would have to rise before it is reporting-worthy? Is it not enough that this 'private citizen' had nearly succeeded in cheating another athlete out of her deserved spot at an international event to follow? Weren't Floyd Landis and Lance Armstrong also private citizens who who just happened to cheat? Where do you draw the line?
So the Times should just ignore cheating in sports? What is the level to which it would have to rise before it is reporting-worthy? Is it not enough that this 'private citizen' had nearly succeeded in cheating another athlete out of her deserved spot at an international event to follow? Weren't Floyd Landis and Lance Armstrong also private citizens who who just happened to cheat? Where do you draw the line?
13
"Hey, it sure looks like you cheated. What's your response?" Fail to see how that in any way constitutes an "assault."
1
"Video SUGGESTS otherwise."
I'm just a fool who likes to duel so maybe this is over my head, but if you have to run a specific race course (ie, the same one everyone else runs) in order to win a race, then video proving she did not run that course suggests it because, yes, cheating requires dishonesty and maliscious intent.
Her continued position she shouldn't be disqualified in the face of evidence that, she did NOT win the race (by not completing the race) makes her a cheater at this point anyway.
I think everyone is missing the really critical point of discussion here which is to ask why she wears neon socks when she cuts corners.
I'm just a fool who likes to duel so maybe this is over my head, but if you have to run a specific race course (ie, the same one everyone else runs) in order to win a race, then video proving she did not run that course suggests it because, yes, cheating requires dishonesty and maliscious intent.
Her continued position she shouldn't be disqualified in the face of evidence that, she did NOT win the race (by not completing the race) makes her a cheater at this point anyway.
I think everyone is missing the really critical point of discussion here which is to ask why she wears neon socks when she cuts corners.
19
It isn't the usually the lie or cover-up that turns something into a big story. It's the lying or covering up of the lie or cover-up.
12
Seriously. With all that's going on in this world, who cares? Leave the girl alone.
15
Train for ironman and let people get away with cheating to victory? No way!
12
I have never understood this attitude; different people find different things newsworthy and just because I care about marathon cheating doesn't mean I also don't care about "all that's going on in this world" (i.e. more serious things like the conflict in Syria). Some people train an incredibly long time for these kinds of competitions and they're important to them, and cheating is absolutely a problem.
If you don't care about this, then don't read the article. No one is forcing you to.
If you don't care about this, then don't read the article. No one is forcing you to.
27
What? I'm sure that this means quite a lot to those who devote the time and energy, and to those who enjoy watching them. Your attitude is enabling to cheaters in every sphere. If you don't care, why take the time to post your ridiculous comment?
36
I suppose it takes a "special" person to cheat. How anyone could go through the effort of qualifying, training, and competing for/in such a race only to cheat is beyond my comprehension. My mind cannot reconcile these two aspirations. I guess that is why I am not a sociopath.
18
...no, actually. just a normal, fallible and insecure human being....
1
The sad part, and really we all have been to races and know it's not possible to trick the technology-unless you destroy it, is that she walks away thinking " I did it! I cheated!" while the second place winners think, "I did it! I got second place!" Some people's lives are hard to understand.
3
More than likely she was thinking, "I did it! I WON!" Sorry but I do think this is not a light matter. This kind of dishonesty is symbolic of our times and it destroys society. I think what Miller did was a big deal. I don't want to use the word sociopathy as I have no training in mental health, unlike Ms Miller who does, but accepting this kind of behavior or dismissing it is the reason our economy, schools, hospitals, and other institutions fail us.
8
Shouldn't this be a photo of the checkpoint not being crossed?
2
She lost her timing chip, she has no data from her sports watch, she ran splits which would be impossible, no one saw her pass the lead runner, and now this video emerges. The evidence that she cheated is overwhelming. This is just crazy.
206
Sometimes, when I'm playing music that has repeats, I forget whether I'm on the first time through, or on the repeat. Is is possible she simply lost track of which lap she was on? Of course this doesn't explain how she "lost" her timing chip.
3
Well, the run portion of this race is a marathon distance and the course included 2 laps. Losing track of which lap you are on would amount to not know if you had just run 13 miles or 26 miles. If she ran only one lap, it had to be intentional.
13
This is a marathon distance with 2 laps of 13.1 miles each. It's quite clear to the athlete whether they have completed 1 lap (13.1 miles in about 1hr 50min) or 2 laps (26.2 miles in about 3hr 40min). Additionally, had she "accidentally" only run one lap, her total run time would have shown an physically unobtainable pace (much faster then the pro men at the Boston marathon). Lastly, 99% of competitive Ironman triathletes will train and race with a GPS watch. Clearly she would have looked at her watch throughout the event to check her overall time, pace and distance.
14
When the laps are over 100 minutes long and there are only 2? Don't think so.
7
One way to reduce cheating of this sort is to not have any portion of the course be run twice (laps) and not have any "out and back" portions.
39
might help might now. Such courses did not stop others from cheating.
then cheaters would have to find a motorized or pedalized means to get ahead!
The best way to stop cheaters is to use timing chips. Oh, right, she lost hers! That alone should have disqualified her (as it normally would).
9
Cheating is bad, very bad. But it's even worse if you try to deny that you cheated and then continue to deny it even when presented with incontrovertible evidence to the contrary. At this point, the best thing Julie can do is simply admit that she did wrong. It would be a start.
149
This kind of personality never gives in. They are incapable of admitting their lies.
10
Did you see every other runner pass the camera twice? That would further validate your conclusion. (Except for those who dropped out, or maybe you'll find other cheaters!)
4
This is a fascinating story. Keep updating us!!
58
While I agree that she cheated, I do feel like the headline for this particular article promised more than was shown: it's not like we the readers are getting to watch the several hours of video taken at the 3.8-mile point to verify that she only went through once (but presumably the NYTimes author did this for us, but didn't explicitly mention this in the article?), nor is there video showing where she went off course or showing where else she might have been when she cut the course.
9
If you have a few hours to kill, Ironman posts historical video feeds for all major races.
3
It does say that there's "no way of knowing what she did during that time," though.
1
Is there a "Lance Armstrong Award for Pathological Lying in Sports"? If so, it goes to Julie Miller.
157
Check the nearest Starbucks video for added proof
31
Note to Miller - when contemplating cheating, do not wear neon yellow knee socks!
244
Right! Yet, partly, it's her wearing them and then cutting the course, anyway--the brazenness of it, the absolute gall--that so fascinates. You know she's done this before and gotten away with it. The whole thing feels like catching a longtime criminal in the act. We are drawn, almost morbidly so, the unfortunate lure of the bad car accident.
6
She cheated. No question about it.
But the thing I saw in the starting line video was someone who looked pretty good going into that run. After swimming and biking. I would not look that strong. The one lap pass also looked good. Not winning pace, but good, consistent running. I'm impressed by anyone who can complete an ironman. That would have been enough for me to be in awe of her.
Without cheating, she probably would have come in 4 or 5th. That is amazing for a mom (both the responsibilities of raising kids, and the fact that for many women, pregnancy results in permanent body changes) with a job and other responsibilities. She would have earned a lot of respect from me for that very good (but not elite) performance.
But she had to cheat and be #1. That is so sad. All respect lost.
But the thing I saw in the starting line video was someone who looked pretty good going into that run. After swimming and biking. I would not look that strong. The one lap pass also looked good. Not winning pace, but good, consistent running. I'm impressed by anyone who can complete an ironman. That would have been enough for me to be in awe of her.
Without cheating, she probably would have come in 4 or 5th. That is amazing for a mom (both the responsibilities of raising kids, and the fact that for many women, pregnancy results in permanent body changes) with a job and other responsibilities. She would have earned a lot of respect from me for that very good (but not elite) performance.
But she had to cheat and be #1. That is so sad. All respect lost.
179
"The one lap pass also looked good" that is because it took her 95 minutes to "run" under 4 miles! rather than Davis having run a full loop taking about 80-85 minutes. So of course she looks fresh then, she was hiding in the bushes or something, recovering for over an hour.
6
How can you consider her to have competed if she didn't finish the race?
3
Totally inaccurate. As a former professional cyclist, miler, x-c skier, mountain guide, your reasoning is compassionate and empathic but wrong. She looks good because she did only part of the course. That is not a representative sample of how a top athlete looks who paces the entire event. Sorry! She is a fraud thru and thru. This is reprehensible.
9
Julie Miller has major mental issues. Between the flowery language describing her consulting services, and the fact that she stone-cold cheated, she seems to be trying to convince herself and everyone else that all it takes is effort and mindset. More of the medals for participants phenomena. A race is a race, with a winner and a loser. And now she's a whole new kind of loser.
95
If indeed Ms. Miller did cheat, then you have to admire in a backhanded way her adherence to the technique of 'the big lie'. Maybe she could find a new career in workshops on the subject for politicians, lawyers, and nine year-olds...
38
I love reporters who follow-up on their stories. This one generated a lot of interest based on comments, so nice of NYT to allow this f/u to appear. Miller is pathologic.
383
Please stop piling it on. We get it that she cheated, but you keep harping on this issue like she was a world-class professional athlete cheating at the Olympics. What exactly do you want, her choosing the "honorable" way out and commit suicide?
28
Oh come on - it's not piling on! This important corroborative piece was not available at the time of writing and disproves her denial of cheating. It's a short follow up. That's all.
271
An apology would be nice. No need for the dramatic suicide...just an honest "I'm sorry" and move on. That's what the NYT is going for, I think.
She may not be a professional, but as am amateur triathlete, I can tell you that many of us amateurs take triathlon very seriously. And even as an amateur you can fork out some serious money on races, nutrition, training, etc.
But yes, a simple apology is probably the intended goal.
She may not be a professional, but as am amateur triathlete, I can tell you that many of us amateurs take triathlon very seriously. And even as an amateur you can fork out some serious money on races, nutrition, training, etc.
But yes, a simple apology is probably the intended goal.
57
Morally, it really doesn't whether she was a "world-class athlete." On the other hand, this story is beginning to have a whiff of schadenfreude.
6
Don't hold your breath waiting for that e-mail reply from this wacko.
39
She can't respond. She has lied and cheated herself into a corner and is caught, now, in the worst possible way. Caught by righteously angry triathletes determined to expose her (as they should), an opportunistic sports video company with further damming evidence to share, and the NYTs who, like any good news outlet, smells her blood in the water.
What remains is the fallout, and how bad it will be.
What remains is the fallout, and how bad it will be.
22
If she cut only the first part of the marathon course, the ca 3.8 mile loop that goes out around Lost Lake, her times would sync up just right. She wouldn't have had to hide in the woods or anything like that, just keep running. And of course that could be a deliberate choice or just a mistake ...
13
"If *you* believe it, it's not really a lie..."
G. Costanza
G. Costanza
97
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is better than a thousand lies.
105
great, but I'll wait for the molecular analysis of the dirt in the shoes before reaching any conclusion. good to know the Times is on top of these important historical developments
21
If you think the sports stories are irrelevant, don't read them.
26
Okay, the episode may not be historic, but the story is definitely important -- on many levels and to a whole lot of people.
1
"I emailed Miller to tell her about the video and ask her if she could explain why it shows her passing the second camera just once. She did not respond."
---
The legendary Elf Invisibility Cloak is real.
---
The legendary Elf Invisibility Cloak is real.
30
What a horribly sad story. Miller robbed the actual, hard-working athletes of their honor on the podium. And her consistent, emphatic denials remind me of the likes of Lance Armstrong and Alex Rodriguez.
278
I'm a master's swimmer. I've no doubt there is doping going on in that glory less sport. It's harder to cheat, but if there was a way to put a motor and propellor where the sun don't shine someone would, no doubt about it.