Valerie Grenier’s remarkable performance in the women’s giant slalom at the Mont-Tremblant World Cup has earned her a well-deserved bronze medal. The Canadian skier improved her position by two spots in the second run, recording a combined time of 2 minutes 17.18 seconds, just one second behind the gold medalist, Alice Robinson of New Zealand.
Expressing her emotions after the race, Grenier shared, “It’s incredible. I don’t have many words to describe how I feel. I’m having a hard time believing it. Feels like a dream come true.” She emphasized the significance of winning a medal at her home ski resort, where she started her skiing journey.
Grenier’s bronze medal comes as a redemption after her disappointing 11th and 13th-place finishes in the earlier races of the season. Her coach, Laurent Praz, acknowledged the hard work put in by the team and volunteers, highlighting that a podium finish at Mont-Tremblant holds special value compared to European races.
This podium finish marks Grenier’s first World Cup podium appearance since her third-place finish in the downhill event at Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, in January 2024. Following that achievement, she faced a setback due to injuries but made a strong comeback this season.
Grenier’s emotional reaction in the finish area reflected her journey and perseverance. She expressed, “It was a big reaction, big tears in my eyes. I still can’t believe it happened. With my teammates jumping into my arms, it made me cry a lot. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, especially after the injury. It took time, and seeing that I’m back on the podium feels good.”
In the race, Robinson clinched the top spot for the second consecutive time, with Zrinka Ljutic of Croatia securing the silver medal. Notable skiers like Mikaela Shiffrin faced challenges on the course, impacting their final positions.
The event witnessed challenging conditions that tested the skiers’ skills, leading to several not completing their runs. Despite the difficulties, the competition showcased the resilience and determination of the athletes.
The World Cup action continues with another giant slalom event scheduled for Sunday, with live coverage available for viewers. Fans can watch the thrilling races as the athletes strive for victory on the slopes of Mont-Tremblant.