Valerie Grenier was injured. © AFP / VLADIMIR SIMICEK
As in the downhill runs on Friday and Saturday, there were numerous serious falls at the Super-G in Cortina d’Ampezzo on Sunday. With Valerie Grenier, we met a runner who is in the form of her life.
29 January 2024
From: leo
Five years ago, Valerie Grenier broke her leg during downhill training for the World Championships in Åre and only returned to the World Cup two years later. Since then, the 27-year-old has concentrated entirely on giant slalom – and with success. She celebrated two World Cup victories in Kranjska Gora and reached the podium again in Soldeu. This weekend Grenier decided to compete in the first World Cup downhill since the serious injury. The result? Place 3.
“I wanted to improve my FIS points and had no expectations,” said the Canadian after the race. “In view of this, I am of course very proud of the result.” Only 48 hours later, the in-form Canadian had to experience the other side of skiing when she flew violently in the lower area of the Super-G. Particularly bitter: Grenier was on his way to another podium. As the Canadian ski team announced on Sunday evening, she got off lightly. “Valerie was diagnosed with a shoulder injury that will probably require surgery.” Further examinations in Innsbruck will provide new information in the next few days.
On Friday, Valerie Grenier (left) was still beaming from the podium. © ANSA / ANDREA SOLERO
It looks like the giant slalom specialist’s damaged leg remained intact. However, it is unlikely that she will take part in the World Cup this season. This means that three athletes from the top group are missing from the upcoming giant slalom at Kronplatz, which will take place on Tuesday: Mikaela Shiffrin, Petra Vlhova and Valerie Grenier.