You have to admire Canadian Olympic figure skater Joannie Rochette.

Last Sunday her mother, Therese Rochette, died of a heart attack in Vancouver at age 55.

But not being a quitter, Joannie competed (two days later) in the first of two events—the women’s short program—and earned the third best score.

But the free skate competition, which counts for 2/3 of a skater’s total marks, was still to come.

After the short program, and referring to that remaining performance, Dave Baden, Joannie’s IMG agent said, “Her mother is inside her heart and soul, so she’ll be there for her and [Joannie] will draw from that strength.”

Last night after Joannie finished her performance in the free skate segment, she blew a kiss into the air and came to the waiting area where she, in French, covered her heart with her right hand and spoke to her mother.

And when the final marks were announced Joannie realized she had indeed held on to her third-place standing and received the bronze medal.

Speaking of her mother Joannie said, “She was my biggest fan, my best friend. She was with me every step of the way. I don’t know how I ever got through this whole program. I’m sure my mom was there with me.”

What a story!

Melanie Hack
Author of Who Killed My Sister, My friend
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