Canadian Star Sara Renner

FasterSkier · July 17, 2003

The Canadian Women's Team is proof that good things happen when you have great
team chemistry. Sara Renner is a big part of that success. This will be Sara's
seventh year on the Canadian Senior National team. Her results speak for themselves
(Two-time Olympian, 9th place in the 2002 Olympic Sprint, several World Cup
top ten finishes this past year), and her sense of humor (as you will see below)
helps create a great team atmosphere.

Favorite place to train (skiing or dryland)?
Wanaka, New Zealand and Spring camp at Mount Assiniboine Lodge

Why do you enjoy being a ski racer? What part of being a ski racer don't
you enjoy?
I enjoy the lifestyle, the friendships and the challenge. Sometimes I get tired
of washing my underwear in the sink when on the road. Other than that, it is
a great life.

If you weren't a ski racer, what would you be doing?
Trying out for Canadian Idol.

What is one of you favorite non-skiing accomplishments?
I can't think of any other accomplishements other than skiing. Ahhh hhha….
Bungee jumping at
Nevis in New Zealand.

What do you do to pass the time when you are on the road at races and training
camps (read, watch TV, computer games, etc)?
Beckie and I become conniseurs of boiled potatoes. We go bowling, write emails
like mad, have saunas and play practical jokes on
Yves, the wax tecnician.

What were your best and worst races last season?
Worst -Continental Cup 10km skate in Fairbanks Alaska-accidently sat on pole
and couldn't get up
Best- World Champs Sprint 7th place. Holmenkollen 16th place-I'm proud of it
because historically it is a very bad race and no Norwegians threw roasted weiners
at me.

How do you deal with bad races?
Think about it on my cool down and then have a laugh about it with the team.

What are your racing goals for the upcoming season?
Medal on the World Cup.

How do you feel about the changes in race format over the past few years?
We need to make cross country more exciting for spectators and TV. But events
like mass starts and duathalons need huge stadiums and races shouldn't be run
in venues were bottlenecks are guaranteed.

What is your take on the issue of doping in cross country ski racing these
days?
After dopers have done their increased suspension time of 5 years, in their
first year back racing on the world cup they have to drag a car tire behind
them so they know how the clean athletes feel.

What changes will you be making to your training plan for this year?
More training and more cappucinos.

How many time-trials on foot and rollerskis did you do last summer and fall did
you do and how long were they?
My rollerskies are a foot and half long and my feet are size 9

Do you have a favorite interval workout?
The uphill time trial roller ski skate in Canmore, starting in town and ending
when the pavement stops.

What was your most memorable workout last year?
Skiing above the clouds in Wanaka, New Zealand last summer.

If you had to eat lunch at a fast-food restaurant, where would you go and
what would you order?
Wendy's #4 the big bacon classic.

Can you give us a single piece of advice for aspiring Junior skiers?
Have a good time and think big.

How about some advice for Masters skiers?
Have fun and don't train too hard.