Trembling | For Valérie Grenier’s family, Christmas starts early this year with the presentation of two World Cup events at Tremblant, the resort where the two-time Olympian first strapped on her ski boards at age two.
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Her parents, who own a condo in Tremblant, her brother, as well as her grandfather, aunts, uncles and friends will be there to encourage Valérie. As a passionate skier, his parents, Gabriel Grenier and Nathalie Bourdon, introduced their sons Francis and Valérie, who were one and a half years younger, at a very early age. After several trips between the family home in Saint-Isidore in eastern Ontario, the family purchased a condominium to reduce travel costs.
“It’s a great party and there’s euphoria in the air,” his father said. In addition to family and friends, several former teammates from the Quebec team and clubs will also be in attendance.
“There is no prize for having the chance to compete in a World Cup on your mountain,” his father continues. We didn’t think we would be so lucky during his career. It’s a dream come true to have her working in our place.”
A big brother as a role model
Her brother Francis served as a role model for her younger sister. “Through Valérie I am living part of my childhood dream,” he confessed. We dedicated the first 16 years of our lives to skiing. We were together 24 hours a day. At first I was her reference until she managed to beat me. She’s reached the top now.”
“All the stars aligned,” added Francis, who gave up ski racing at the age of 16 and works in the family business. Valérie is experiencing the best moments of her career and will take part in two giant slaloms at home. It will be fun to experience this as a family. As always, I’ll be ten times more nervous than she is, but it’s reassuring to see that she handles pressure better than I do.”
Valérie has been with her family since returning from Killington and is happy to sleep in their bed. She remembers these beautiful years in the company of her brother. “I followed him throughout my youth to be as good as him and he was an inspiration. My brother was my guide in everything. It was so much fun skiing at Tremblant every weekend with my parents and brother.”
Grenier is experiencing the best moments of his career. “Because Valérie is the hot topic on the Canadian team and all eyes are on her, it annoys us a little and we have butterflies,” said the father. Since the beginning of the week I have been telling her that it is a World Cup like any other and that she has to stay as she is without trying to do more or less.
Great comeback
Having been present at the 2019 World Cup in Are, Sweden, when her daughter suffered a quadruple fracture in her right leg, you can even better understand the magnitude of the task she has undertaken to return to her best level .
“We are really happy and proud,” said Valérie’s father. She was going through a really difficult time and at one point we wondered if there were any chances of her coming back. Valérie is a hard worker, a fighter and she worked hard. Thanks to several people, without whom it would not have been possible, she came back stronger than she was.”
“His fitness trainer Scott Livingston is an incredible guy; “The brothers Érik and Stefan Guay have made an important contribution,” continues Mr. Grenier. Erik constantly encouraged Valérie and Stefan did an excellent job when Valérie returned to the snow. He has a very nice approach.”
Francis also highlights his sister’s work ethic. “No one deserves it more than her. I saw all the trials she went through. She never lost her determination and hope to come back strong.”
After witnessing their daughter’s fall in Sweden, the parents were still a little scared, but in giant slalom, where the speeds are slower, the severity is less severe. “There’s always a bit of inner fear, but we try not to think about it too much.”