A rocky road to the top of the world
Ski star talks about the hardest time in her career
A few weeks ago, Valérie Grenier (26) celebrated her first World Cup victory. The giant specialist tells how much she had to suffer for it.
Published: 16 minutes ago
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Valérie Grenier talks about her ordeal.
“In 2019 I was closer to the podium than ever before. I felt like I was close to realizing my dream. Then my world collapsed, »says Valérie Grenier on «Radio Canada».
What the skier appeals to: During downhill training for the 2019 World Cup in Are (Sd), she falls, her right leg is affected and demolished. The diagnosis: quadruple fracture! Downtime is unpredictable.
“I lost hope”
Grenier reveals surprisingly openly how much she suffered after this fall: “I no longer felt like myself. I experienced moments of sadness and loneliness like never before.” She gives a deep insight: «The wait didn’t seem to end, the uncertainty was unbearable. But I knew I would do anything to come back.”
As a result, Grenier toiled away like crazy. When she returns after a year and a half, nothing is the same as before. «When I started training again, I froze in the middle of the slope. The body was ready, the mind was not. I lost hope because I felt like I was going backwards, I was frustrated for months.”
Avoiding departures helps
In addition to the physical healing process, a difficult mental phase begins for Grenier, which she is able to master. After more than a year and a half, she is finally making her comeback in October 2020, but from now on she will not do downhill runs and only occasionally competes in the Super G. Not an easy decision for the former junior world champion in these disciplines – but it helps.
She concentrates on the giant slalom and finds her great happiness there. Almost three weeks ago, the interim high point followed on Grenier’s way back. With two best running times, she wins the Kranjska Gora giant, fulfilling a childhood dream. “My patience has paid off,” sums up the Canadian, who will also be among the medal contenders at the forthcoming World Championships in Courchevel/Méribel (February 6-19).