Olympian Joannie Rochette Skates Short Program Just Days After Mother’s Death

By Amanda Pendolino on February 24th, 2010

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Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette was living a dream come true: competing in the Olympic Games in Vancouver. Then, tragedy struck. According to CNN, Joannie’s mother, Therese Rochette, died of an unexpected heart attack just two days ago. She was only 55.

Despite her grief, Joannie chose to participate in yesterday’s short program. She skated almost flawlessly, earning the third best score of the night. The 14,000 audience members and millions of viewers at home were moved. “I watched her as she was about to skate and it looked like she was struggling emotionally,” said Bill Thompson, chief executive officer of Skate Canada. “She just pulled herself together and put down a performance that I think — where she came in is irrelevant — was so magical and so heroic.” Click here for her short program video.

Joannie did not talk to the media after her skate, but she did answer a few questions in private. “I have no regrets,” she said, according to to Michael Slipchuk, the high performance director for Team Canada and a former Olympian. “It was a nice warm welcome [from the crowd]. It was hard to handle, but I appreciate the support.”

The free program is Thursday night, so Joannie’s journey is not over. I know she can do it. What a strong woman!

Photo: The Canadian Press