Canadian Olympic Foundation
Vancouver Games Top 10 – #5
#5: Joannie Rochette’s Bronze after her mother’s death
The Olympics are filled with unforgettable moments. Stories of teamwork, sportsmanship and triumph flood the news and capture our attention. The Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games were no different. From the opening ceremony to the golden goal, the home Olympics were filled with some amazing moments. As the 10th anniversary of the Vancouver 2010 games approaches, we will be reliving the top 10 moments of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics through our eyes. This is #5.
Canada’s Joannie Rochette kisses her bronze medal during the victory ceremony for the women’s figure skating competition at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Thursday, Feb. 25, 2010. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
It takes a special person to be an Olympian. It takes someone even more special to raise one.
Being an elite athlete is not an individual pursuit, although it may be an individual sport. An athlete’s support system is crucial to their focus and success at the Olympics. For Joannie Rochette, her support system came crashing down only two days before her short dance.
RELATED: Rochette Wins Bronze
Early in the morning, Joannie got the news that her mom, Therese Rochette, had suffered a major heart attack and passed away.
Her world immediately came crashing down. The Olympics suddenly didn’t seem as important anymore. Not if the person she most wanted to celebrate with wouldn’t be there to see her compete.
Canada’s Joannie Rochette reacts after performing her short program during the women’s figure skating competition at the Vancouver 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010. (AP Photo/Mark Baker)
But she still decided to compete. To prove to herself, her support system and for her mom.
She performed her short program only two days after her mother’s death, breaking into tears immediately after the music stopped. Bowing with tears in her eyes as she received a standing ovation from the crowd and then collapsing into her coach’s arms.
RELATED: Joannie Rochette Nominated for an ‘ESPY’ Award
She earned a season’s best score and went on to win bronze for Canada.
Her resilience, strength and emotion through such a tough time showed the world that the Olympics are more than just a game. It was a show of both vulnerability and immense strength for Joannie, certainly making her mother proud.
Ten years ago, Joannie captured the audiences’ hearts when she skated to a Bronze medal after her mother’s death. Her tenacity, drive and strength inspired us all. That’s why we want to celebrate the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games on its 10th anniversary.
Stay tuned for more information on how you can get involved with the 10th anniversary celebrations in Vancouver!
