February 8, 2007 (Calgary, AB.) – Olympic silver medallist, Sara Renner, along with her husband and World Cup champion, Thomas Grandi, are the proud parents of a new baby girl.

The Olympic couple, and leaders of Canada’s cross-country and alpine ski teams, welcomed the addition of Aria Grandi to their family on Thursday, February 1, 2007. Weighing in at 7 lbs 2 ounces, and sharing Grandma Renner’s birthday, baby Aria arrived at 11:30 a.m. at Banff’s Mineral Springs Hospital.

While Momma Renner is at home resting with baby, Papa Grandi quickly headed to Europe to compete in the giant slalom race, February 14, and the slalom event, February 17, at the 2007 World Championships in Are, Sweden. Grandi will also compete in the team competition.

Alpine Canada Alpin, and Cross Country Canada would like to congratulate both Thomas and Sara on the birth of their first child, and wish their new family all the best.

MEDIA NOTE:

A photo and interview opportunity with the family will be available to media following Grandi’s arrival back to Calgary.

PARENT TESTIMONIALS:

Thomas Grandi
“Sara and I are both doing awesome. It was Sara’s best performance yet. Aria came out with more hair than her pops. Papa was very proud.”

“It was absolutely amazing experience. The nurses encouraged me to actually deliver Aria. So I picked her up as she came out and put her on Sara’s chest. Little Aria stared into her eyes and I cried. Aria was wondering what the big deal was.”

“I’m on my way to Sweden and ready to compete. Aria’s early arrival was a great gift for me so I can now go and compete, and for Sara’s mom as they share the same birthday.”

Sara Renner

“Being pregnant and spending the last few days together with Thomas, and then the birth of Aria, have been the most special time of my life.”

“I was able to ski right up to her birth – the waddle is a complement to skate skiing. I think the local skiers on the wood skis at the Nordic Centre in Canmore loved passing the Olympic medallist on the ski trail.”

“Things are so good right now. It feels like luck has given me a big juicy smacker right on the lips.”


FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
Kyle Marr
Coordinator, PR & Media
Alpine Canada Alpin
Tel: (403) 777-3204

OR

Chris Dornan
Media and Public Relations
Cross Country Canada
Tel: (403) 470-9546