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Burnaby Native to Pursue Business Degree
The 25-year-old speed racer, who got his start in the sport through the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, is trading in his ski bag for a briefcase – or hopes to in the near future, in any case. Giannelli has enrolled for the fall session at the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where he will begin his work towards a business degree by studying financial management.
Giannelli, a super-G specialist, represented Canada at two world championships and one world junior championships, and was on the World Cup men's speed team. As he now turns his focus away from the race course and onto the golf course, Giannelli's immediate goals include lowering his handicap into the single digits.
“The last year has been difficult for me,” said Giannelli, who only got back on snow less than a year ago following three successive knee injuries. “But still, the decision to retire was also a difficult one. I do believe this is the right decision at this point in my life. Having to step away from the sponsors and supporters who've been behind you through your entire career is hard too. I am very grateful for the support they have given me and the sport I've enjoyed so much – without them, I could never have lived this great dream of representing Canada and skiing on the national team.”
Among Giannelli's key supporters are his parents Joan and Mike, who have put countless hours of volunteer time into Canadian alpine racing throughout their son's 13-year career