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Valérie Grenier, representing Canada in alpine skiing, concluded her Winter Olympic campaign on a bittersweet note, finishing in 13th place in the women’s giant slalom held in Cortina d’Ampezzo. The 29-year-old from St-Isidore, Ontario, entered the competition with aspirations of clinching a podium spot but faced disappointment after slipping from eighth to thirteenth in her final run. The event marked the culmination of her four races at these Games, and unfortunately for Grenier, a medal eluded her grasp.
Early Hopes and High Expectations
Grenier had entered the giant slalom with significant momentum. Earlier in December, she had captured a bronze medal in the same event during a World Cup competition held at Mont Tremblant, sparking considerable excitement back home. Additionally, her previous performance in Cortina, where she finished third in the women’s downhill, had raised expectations for her Olympic run.
“I had very high hopes for the GS, and I didn’t deliver at all,” Grenier lamented after the race. “It was really nice to have my family here at these Olympics, compared to Beijing, and I love Cortina, so I always have good feelings here, but right now it’s hard to see something positive.”
Despite her disappointment, Grenier managed to outperform her fellow Canadians: Britt Richardson from Canmore finished 26th, Justine Lamontagne from St. Ferréol-les-Neiges secured 28th, and Cassidy Gray from Invermere did not finish her run.
The Day Belongs to Brignone
While Grenier’s hopes of medalling evaporated, the day ultimately belonged to Italy’s Federica Brignone. The 35-year-old Italian secured her second gold medal of the Games, triumphantly showcasing her skills on home soil, marking a significant milestone for the host nation at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Brignone’s victory added to Italy’s tally, bringing their total gold medals to 20.
Her remarkable performance saw her conquer a challenging course with seeming ease, and she etched her name into the annals of Olympic history. With this win, she joined the ranks of Italian skiing legends who have previously achieved double golds, including the iconic Alberto Tomba and Manuela Di Centa.
“I’m really happy for her, and very inspired,” Grenier remarked when reflecting on Brignone’s achievements. “It’s humbling to the rest of us,” added Richardson, noting Brignone’s resilience following a serious leg injury. “She’s had like, what, 13 days on snow or something since her injury? It’s unbelievable for her to be on top two days. I’m just inspired by her every day.”
A Spirit of Camaraderie
Despite their individual struggles, Grenier and her fellow Canadian competitors expressed admiration for Brignone’s character both on and off the slopes. The Italian skier has long been recognised not just for her athletic prowess but also for her sportsmanship and leadership within the World Cup circuit.
“She’s always made it a point to come say hi and congratulate us,” Lamontagne shared. “In my first year, I was like, ‘wow, she’s one of the friendliest,’ even when I’m a later bib.” This sentiment was echoed by her teammates, who highlighted the importance of camaraderie in the competitive world of alpine skiing.
Why it Matters
Grenier’s experience underscores the intense pressure athletes face at the Olympic level, where expectations can weigh heavily on even the most skilled competitors. While the disappointment of not medalling is palpable, the admiration shared among athletes highlights the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends competition. As Grenier and her teammates reflect on their Olympic journey, they carry forward the inspiration drawn from exceptional athletes like Brignone, reminding us that the true essence of sport lies not only in victory but in the resilience and camaraderie forged through shared challenges.
