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The Mont-Tremblant World Cup witnessed a remarkable achievement as Valerie Grenier clinched the bronze medal in the women’s giant slalom. The event, held in the picturesque ski resort northwest of Montreal, served as a homecoming for the 29-year-old athlete from St-Isidore, Ontario. Grenier’s accomplishment is not just a testament to her skills but also a poignant moment for her personally, as she celebrated on familiar snow.
In a thrilling race, Grenier finished with a combined time of 2:17.18, notably improving her position from fifth to third during the second run. This triumphant performance came as a relief after a season that started off with less-than-satisfactory results, including two finishes outside the top ten.
A heartfelt homecoming
Competing in front of a supportive home crowd, Grenier expressed her disbelief and joy upon securing the medal. “It’s incredible. I don’t have many words to describe how I feel,” she stated, her emotions evident as she addressed the media in the mixed zone. The thrill of winning a medal on her home turf was particularly significant for Grenier, who has long aspired to achieve such a feat. “Winning a medal here at home is really high on my list,” she added.
This bronze medal not only holds sentimental value but also serves to alleviate the disappointment Grenier felt from her earlier performances this season. “I knew I was capable of better than that,” she reflected, acknowledging her struggles. The satisfaction of executing two clean runs on a challenging course was a pivotal moment for her, marking a turning point in her competitive journey.
Team effort and support
Valerie’s coach, Laurent Praz, emphasized the significance of this achievement for both Grenier and the entire team. He remarked, “I think it’s the dream of a lifetime for her. And for us too, getting a podium here is the sum of all the work we’ve done.” This victory not only highlights Grenier’s individual talent but also underscores the collective efforts of the coaching staff and support teams, including the dedicated volunteers at Mont-Tremblant.
After a serious injury sidelined her for a significant period, Grenier’s return to the podium is a testament to her perseverance and hard work. Her emotional reaction at the finish area, where she was greeted by teammates, encapsulated the relief and joy of returning to competitive form. “I still can’t believe it happened. It took time, and seeing that I’m back on the podium feels good,” she shared.
Competitive landscape at Mont-Tremblant
The race concluded with New Zealand’s Alice Robinson taking the gold medal, finishing just one second ahead of Grenier. Robinson’s victory marked her second consecutive win in the World Cup series, solidifying her status as a leading competitor in the sport. Croatia’s Zrinka Ljutic claimed the silver medal, further emphasizing the competitive nature of the event.
Among the other competitors, Switzerland’s Camille Rast and France’s Clara Direz rounded out the top five. Notably, American star Mikaela Shiffrin, who had been a frontrunner, finished in sixth place after a challenging second run.
Looking ahead
As the Mont-Tremblant World Cup continues, Grenier’s performance sets a promising tone for the upcoming events. With another giant slalom scheduled for the following day, all eyes will be on her as she seeks to replicate her success. The challenges presented by the course and weather conditions remain significant factors for all competitors.
For Grenier, this weekend represents not only a personal victory but also a chance to build momentum and confidence as she navigates the remainder of the season. Her determination and the support of her hometown crowd are sure to inspire her as she strives for further achievements in her skiing career.